Judson Albahm
In March 2021 in Jamesville, New York, a 17-year-old teenager, Judson Albahm, was shot by police after he escaped from a mental health center.
Judson had mental personality disorder and Asperger’s syndrome. During one of his frequent mental health crises, Albahm’s mother went to a local mental health center. Some time later, Albahm escaped and the staff at the center called the police to help them find Albahm and return him safely for treatment.
An hour after the police arrived, Albahm was killed. He was shot more than nine times. According to the police, he directed at the officers “something like a pistol”, but shortly before that the dispatcher had warned the officers several times that Albahm had a pneumatic pistol.
After Judson’s death, dozens of protesters took to the streets, demanding justice and police reforms. They believe that the police should pay more attention to the psychological health of a suspect before opening fire.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
For students, staff and faculty who have had friends and family members killed by police, Albahm’s death is deeply traumatizing. For families with members who struggle with mental health crises, Albahm’s death sends fear coursing through every cell of their bodies.
CASE STATUS:
The FBI initiative group requested clarifications on the current case from US President Joseph Biden, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group considers it important to combat police violence and, if necessary, can provide legal and informational assistance to the Albam family.