AGs Justify Fatal Police Shootings in Arkansas, New Hampshire

Authorities in Arkansas and New Hampshire have both ruled recent fatal police shootings as justified uses of deadly force. In Arkansas, officers fatally shot Willie Joe Larry-Purdiman after he fired at them while fleeing arrest on multiple violent felony warrants; the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney concluded officers' actions were consistent with state law. Separately, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office found seven officers were legally justified when they shot and killed Anthony Previte after he emerged from a standoff armed with a firearm, following a mental health call and threats to his mother. In both cases, officials cited threats to officer and public safety as the rationale for the use of deadly force, and no criminal charges will be filed against the involved officers. The incidents highlight continued scrutiny and review of police use of lethal force in the United States.