The following was a release put forth by Helena Law Enforcement concerning the shooter in downtown Helena earlier today.

“At approximately 1330 hours, HPD Officers and LCSO Deputies responded to Lewis and Clark County Courthouse at 228 Broadway Ave for a report of an active shooter. The Dispatch Center received numerous 911 calls on the same incident. One of the complainants indicated there was an adult female with a pistol. This female had made threats of shooting staff within the courthouse as well as a Judge. In the courthouse, she made threats with the pistol to the Courthouse Security Staff. The female then left the Courthouse and started walking east on Broadway Ave. Officers and Deputies made contact with the female in the 500 block of Broadway Ave. The female was uncompliant with Officers and Deputies commands which resulted in the Officers and Deputies utilizing deadly force. Medical aid was rendered to the female on scene by Officers and Deputies as well as paramedics that arrived later on scene. The female succumbed to the injuries. As the Helena Police Department and Lewis & Clark Sheriff’s Office were jointly involved in the incident, the state of Montana Department of Criminal Investigation was called in to investigate the Officer Involved Shooting. At this time, the investigation is ongoing and is now being investigated by MT DCI. We will release more information as we are able to during the investigation.”

Brett Petty/Leo Dutton HPD Chief of Police LCSO Sheriff/Coroner

Many folks had opinions on whether or not Law officials should have killed the woman but won’t thing is most certain. The entire event was grievous and sad.