Photo: Kenneth Williams Jr./Facebook
A 67-year-old security guard was fatally shot during a confrontation involving nine police officers in Gary, Indiana on Friday (August 28), leaving his family demanding answers about what led to the deadly encounter.
Kenneth Williams Sr. was working as an armed security guard at the Metro Center when officers responded around 10:54 p.m. to a report that he was behaving “unusual and erratic,” according to Indiana State Police, ABC7 Chicago reported.
Around 11:20 p.m. Friday, officers exchanged gunfire with Williams, who was killed at the scene. Six Gary police officers and three Lake County Sheriff’s Department officers fired their weapons, according to state police.
None of the officers were injured, and all nine were placed on administrative leave, ABC7 reported.
The events leading up to the shooting remain unclear.
CBS News Chicago reported that more than 100 evidence markers were placed around the scene. A witness also told the outlet she heard what sounded like roughly 100 gunshots.
Williams’ family says they are struggling to understand how he went to work and never came home.
“He went to work as a normal day, you know, a 67-year-old man, and he didn't come home from work. And I want to know why,” his son, Kenneth Williams Jr., told ABC7 Chicago.
His son Raymond Brown said that Williams’ death came as the family was celebrating Brown’s birthday.
“I'm devastated. That's all I can say right now. I ain't got no answers. I just want answers,” Brown said.
Williams was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. “It feels like it's overkill. You know, it feels like it's too much,” Williams Jr. told CBS News Chicago.
On Sunday (August 30), Williams Jr. also addressed his father’s death in a public Facebook post,though he listed the date of the shooting as August 29, police have said Williams was killed late August 28.
“On August 29th 2026, our father Kenneth Williams Sr. loss his life by the police while at work as a security guard at the metro station in Gary, IN,” he wrote. “We're heartbroken and confused on how this could have happened. He was loved by many and always helping others in the community. Our family is hurting and looking for answers. Love you Pops. Forever in our hearts.”
Indiana State Police is investigating the shooting.
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