Monrovia, Liberia – October 8, 2025: A Liberia National Police (LNP) officer on Wednesday fatally shot a man identified as Matthew after he reportedly stabbed three police officers during a violent confrontation near the old Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) building in Congo Town.
Police Inspector General Hon. Gregory O. W. Coleman said the incident occurred around 2:58 p.m., after the LNP received a distress call reporting that a police officer had been stabbed multiple times.
IG Coleman explained that responding officers identified themselves and ordered the suspect to surrender, but he refused. The man reportedly attacked the officers with a cutlass, injuring one, before being disarmed. Unknown to the officers, the suspect had a concealed knife, which he used to stab another officer.
“Facing immediate mortal danger, one of the officers discharged his service weapon, instantly neutralizing the threat and preventing further harm to his colleagues,” IG Coleman said.
He added that all the injured officers and the suspect were taken to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, where one officer remains in critical condition and the suspect was later pronounced dead.
“The Liberia National Police deeply regrets this tragic incident and extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” Coleman said. “We urge the public to remain calm while we keep the injured officers in our prayers.”
The police chief assured the public that a comprehensive investigation has been launched to establish all the facts surrounding the incident.
While the police have not described the deceased as a criminal, some members of the public initially assumed he was one due to the violent nature of the encounter.
However, family members and neighbors of the deceased later clarified that Matthew was mentally unstable and had been unwell for some time.
“The photo below is of my neighbor Matthew, who was tragically killed today,” said Musa Moses Kromah, a neighbor of the deceased.
“A few weeks ago, Matthew had been seriously ill, which led to his mental instability—possibly due to malaria or other spiritual issues. His family members attempted to take him to the hospital, but when that failed, they called the police for assistance in getting him out of his house, as he had locked himself inside. During the struggle to remove him, the officers sustained injuries. This was not intentional; he was suffering from a mental disorder. May his soul rest in peace, and I wish the officers a speedy recovery.”
The incident has stirred mixed reactions among residents, with some calling for better police training in handling mentally ill persons, while others commended the officers for acting swiftly to protect their colleagues.
The Liberia National Police has pledged full transparency in its ongoing investigation.
