James McKinney, a 29-year-old resident of Hayward, California, was shot and killed by officers on July 6, 2014, at the Phoenix Lodge on West A Street. Police had been called after reports that McKinney forced his way into a tenant’s room and was behaving erratically. Officers say they tried to coax him out; when they entered the room McKinney allegedly lunged at them and attempted to disarm them, and the officers opened fire. McKinney was declared dead at the scene. The number of shots fired was not disclosed and the officers involved were placed on administrative leave while the Hayward Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office investigated.

McKinney’s family later filed a civil rights lawsuit naming Officers Kenneth Landreth and Ricardo Flores, alleging excessive force and violations of constitutional rights. The case drew public scrutiny and discussion about police response to individuals showing erratic behavior and mental health concerns. What information do readers have about the incident or about McKinney’s actions and state of mind that night?