Yemeni man Fatally Shot by Police in Louisiana, USA

A young Yemeni man was fatally shot by police at a gas station in Gonzales, Louisiana, USA, sparking widespread controversy and raising questions about the circumstances of the incident and the use of force by law enforcement.

The Official U.S. Account

According to Louisiana State Police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, February 10, at the intersection of Burnside Street and West Orice Roth Road in Ascension Parish. Authorities reported that the incident began with an armed robbery at a local convenience store.

The deceased, identified as a former employee of the gas station, had reportedly returned to the location around midnight to collect his final paycheck. Official accounts claim that the individual assaulted the cashier, stole money from the register, and fled to the parking lot, where he allegedly fired multiple gunshots—some striking the gas station and others fired into the air.

Police were alerted to the suspect fleeing in a vehicle. After locating and stopping the car, Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies confronted the suspect as he exited the vehicle while allegedly carrying a weapon. Following an interaction with law enforcement, deputies fired shots, striking the suspect once. He was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.

The identity of the deceased has not been officially released, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full details of the incident.

The Yemeni Community’s Narrative

In contrast, members of the Yemeni expatriate community have circulated a video on social media, which they claim shows the incident. They identify the deceased as Abdelrahman Fadel Al-Jabal and assert that he was deliberately killed by police gunfire while at the gas station.

This version of events has fueled anger and skepticism among some Yemeni community members, who question the credibility of the official U.S. account. They characterize the incident as an unjustified use of force against a Yemeni national, disputing the claim that the young man was involved in an armed robbery or posed a threat to law enforcement.

Ongoing Investigations and Community Response

As official investigations continue, the Yemeni community is calling for transparency and accountability. Many are demanding a thorough review of the incident to determine whether there were any procedural breaches or errors in the security response.

The conflicting narratives have highlighted broader concerns about police conduct and the use of force, particularly in cases involving individuals from minority communities. While U.S. authorities maintain that the shooting occurred during an armed confrontation, the Yemeni community insists that the young man was a victim of excessive force.

As the investigation unfolds, both sides await further details to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Abdelrahman Fadel Al-Jabal.