JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, USA – AUGUST 13, 2025 Body camera footage from a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office deputy shows the intervention against a man armed with a knife. The suspect was 30-year-old Brian Gillis, who was suspected of an arson attack and had a diagnosed mental illness.
The responding officer assessed the situation as dangerous and was forced to use his service weapon. Gillis was shot and collapsed to the ground. Officers then disarmed him and provided first aid, but he died nonetheless.
The case will be reviewed by the state attorney’s office to determine whether the officer was authorized to use his firearm and acted according to regulations. Some opinions claim it is unacceptable for police to fire live rounds at someone fleeing the scene. On the other hand, even though Gillis was not directly threatening the officer, he was armed and could have posed a danger to others if the officer had not opened fire.
