One Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting at Stuart Condominiums

A fatal officer-involved shooting occurred in Stuart, Florida, on Saturday morning, marking the first deadly encounter for the city's police in over two decades. The shooting involved 36-year-old Kenneth Cook, who reportedly charged at an officer while wielding a large knife after earlier being described as acting erratically. Police Chief Joseph Tumminelli stated that the officer was responding to a disturbance call when the confrontation escalated, lasting approximately 22 seconds. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, Cook reportedly lunged at the officer, prompting the officer to fire their weapon. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave as per standard protocol, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an independent investigation. Community members have expressed shock and are seeking answers regarding the incident and the police's response.