Cleveland Askew Jr. v. Trooper Edward Whitworth

Issues include whether a law enforcement officer who shot a suspect while attempting to execute an arrest warrant is entitled to qualified immunity when the suspect, backup officer, and other witnesses dispute the officer’s version of the events that occurred after the suspect opened his apartment door. The officer, suspect, and witnesses disagree about whether the officer announced he was law enforcement, instructed the suspect to drop his lawful gun, and gave the suspect an opportunity to drop his gun before shooting him; and whether the suspect lunged at the officer before the shooting. Oral arguments heard on June 5, 2024.