Video: MN Prosecutor Reveals Details of Castile Shooting
"Castile then calmly and in a non-threatening manner informed Officer Yanez, 'Sir, I have to tell you that I do have a firearm on me.' Before Castile completed the sentence, Officer Yanez interrupted and calmly replied 'ok,'" says Choi.

Ramsey County, MN, prosecutor John Choi has released details of what he says investigators have discovered about the fatal police shooting of Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, MN, on July 6.
The aftermath of the shooting was recorded by Castile's girlfriend and streamed live on social media.
Wednesday Choi charged Officer Jeronimo with second-degree manslaughter in the shooting.
According to the criminal complaint this is the timeline of events.
At 9:04:48 p.m. Officer Yanez activated his squad car lights.
Within 12 seconds, Castile was stopped along the curb of Larpenteur Avenue.
At 9:05:15 p.m. - Yanez walked up to the driver's side of Castile's car.
At 9:05:22 p.m. - Yanez leaned down telling Castile his brake light was out.
At 9:05:38 p.m. - Yanez asked to see Castile's drivers license and proof of insurance.
Within 10 seconds Castile provided his insurance card.
"Castile then calmly and in a non-threatening manner informed Officer Yanez, 'Sir, I have to tell you that I do have a firearm on me.' Before Castile completed the sentence, Officer Yanez interrupted and calmly replied 'ok,'" says Choi.
With that information, the complaint states Yanez put his right hand on the holster of his own gun.
"Officer Yanez then said, 'Ok, don't reach for it then.' Castile tried to respond, but was interrupted by Officer Yanez who said, 'don't pull it out.' Castile responded, 'I'm not pulling it out.' Then Officer Yanez screamed 'don't pull it out,'" says Choi.
According to the criminal complaint, Yanez then pulled his gun out and fired seven shots.
At 9:06:04 p.m. - Roughly one minute after he was pulled over, Castile moaned and said, 'I wasn't reaching for it.'
More Patrol

Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →

