On May 7, 2016, 21-year-old Lionel Gibson was shot and killed by Long Beach police officers near 21st Street and Locust Avenue after a witness reported seeing him holding what appeared to be an Uzi-style weapon. Officers say they saw an object in Gibson’s waistband, issued multiple verbal commands, and opened fire when he did not respond and moved toward the object. Gibson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The object later proved to be a CO2-powered airsoft gun rather than a real firearm. Gibson’s family disputes the officers’ account, saying he had little to no opportunity to surrender before shots were fired. The shooting sparked community protests and calls for justice; in 2019 the City of Long Beach settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the family for $2 million.

Does anyone have information about Gibson’s last moments or the witnesses who reported seeing the weapon?