WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-A PBC CU member was shot and killed by law enforcement officers just outside of the credit union's main office here.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call about an armed man shooting his weapon into the air. When they arrived on scene, 18-year-old Christopher Thompson aimed his long rifle at the officers and shot a patrol car three times. Deputies returned fire, killing the young credit union member.
According to Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department, Thompson's rifle was loaded with a high-capacity magazine capable of holding as many as 50 rounds, and witnesses speculate the teen could have entered the credit union and done a lot of damage or worse had the officers not responded quickly.
PBC CEO John Deese said the CU is reviewing its security protocols and adding additional cameras in its parking lot-and more monitors to keep track of the footage. "We had footgage of him getting out of the car with a rifle. He was there for 30 minutes before anything happened," he told Credit Union Journal. "If we had more monitors at more desks, the likelihood that someone would notice [in real time] would be greater."
Thompson's motives are still unknown, but Deese said there is some speculation that this was a "suicide by cop" situation, in which the person hopes police will respond with deadly force.
Deputies involved in the shooting are currently on paid administrative leave, which is standard department protocol, Barbara added.
Last Monday, the credit union reopened with a sheriff's deputy standing guard at the site and grief counselors on hand for employees. The CU hired an off-duty deputy through the end of last week for additional security.
