A welfare check in Reston, Virginia, took a tragic turn when Sydney Wilson, a 33-year-old mental health specialist, was fatally shot by a Fairfax County officer. The incident, which took place on September 16, was recorded on the officer’s bodycam. The footage, released by the police department, shows the sequence of events leading up to the fatal shooting.
The video shows officers arriving at Wilson’s apartment around 10 a.m. Initially, Wilson was hesitant to interact with the officers, but she eventually opened the door. Upon opening the door, Wilson brandished a knife, setting off a rapid chain of events that were captured on the bodycam.
Officer Peter Liu, a 14-year veteran of the department with crisis intervention training, was the responding officer. The footage shows Liu retreating from Wilson, who was pursuing him with a kitchen knife. Despite Liu’s repeated instructions for Wilson to back up, she continued to advance, slashing at his face multiple times.
In response to the immediate threat, Liu fired his weapon, hitting Wilson three times. She later succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital. Liu sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the encounter.
Police Chief Kevin Davis expressed his condolences over the loss of life during a press conference. He noted that Liu was trapped in a corridor with no exit, which justified his use of lethal force. Davis also acknowledged that Liu had attempted all possible measures to de-escalate the situation, emphasizing that the outcome could have been significantly worse.
The incident is particularly tragic given Wilson’s commitment to mental health awareness. Just months prior, she had posted about her certification in adult mental health first aid on LinkedIn. A Georgetown University alumna and former basketball scholarship recipient, Wilson was known for her empathy and her work as a motivational speaker for young athletes.
The aftermath of the shooting has left a community in mourning. Wilson is remembered for her contributions as a mentor and friend, and her loss has had a profound emotional impact on those who knew her.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with Liu currently on administrative duty. The department is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident.