Family and residents demand accountability in Gastonia police shooting during council public comment

Several people used the June 2 public-comment period at the Gastonia City Council meeting to demand answers and accountability after the fatal police shooting of Derek Mendenhall.

Lee Henderson (called to speak by the mayor) described the family’s anguish and accused the Gastonia Police Department of shaping a narrative that victim-blamed Mendenhall instead of holding officers accountable. He named two officers and said the family had experienced “silence from those that we thought were leaders in this community.” Henderson added, “We will continue to demand justice for Derek.”

Olivia Henderson, who identified herself during remarks, cited sections of the Gastonia Police Department’s deadly-force policy and said officers did not follow required steps. She told the council no verbal warning or de-escalation occurred and raised questions about whether medical aid was rendered promptly and why officers were returned to active duty before public disclosure. "Trust requires transparency," she said.

The family speakers asked why additional camera angles and certain evidence were not publicly addressed and questioned edits to videos after preservation notices were reportedly issued.

Council members and the mayor responded later in the meeting with statements of support for public safety and praise for recent police actions, noting the department’s role and urging appreciation for officers; the mayor also described recent officers’ response to a hostage situation as an example of effective policing.

Status of claims The accusations about procedural failures, edited video, and premature return to duty were raised publicly during comment but were not resolved on the record at the meeting. No formal departmental report or specific investigative outcome was presented during the session.

What the council said Council members acknowledged the seriousness of the family’s concerns and also emphasized public-safety priorities and the need to support city officers while investigations continue. The meeting record shows residents’ calls for transparency but does not record a council directive or new investigatory finding during this session.

What’s next Family members and community advocates said they will continue to press for answers. The transcript does not record an immediate policy change or formal action by the council related to the shooting during the June 2 meeting.