A rifle-toting man throwing unspecified “incendiary devices” at a Tacoma, Washington ICE detention facility was shot dead by police on Saturday morning.
The man was identified by officials as 69-year-old Willem Van Spronsen of Vashon Island, who made headlines last year when he assaulted a police officer at a similar protest in an attempt to free another protester. He was found with a collapsible baton and a knife, leading to criminal charges according to the Seattle Times.
At approximately 4 a.m. Saturday morning Tacoma Police responded a call about an armed man outside the the privately run Northwest Detention Center. Police say Van Spronsen was tossing lit objects at vehicles and buildings, which set one car on fire. He is also said to have attempted to ignite a propane tank unsuccessfully.
According to Tacoma police spokeswoman Loretta Cool, officers reported “shots fired” and engaged Van Spronsen. It is unclear if he fired first, or fired at all. His death has been classified by the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office as a homicide.
The four male officers involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave – a standard practice, until an investigation has been conducted.
Man Hurls Molotov Cocktails At ICE Detention Center; Shot Dead By Police
A rifle-toting man throwing unspecified “incendiary devices” at a Tacoma, Washington ICE detention facility was shot dead by police on Saturday morning. The man was identified by officials as 69-year-old Willem Van Spronsen of Vashon Island, who made headlines last year when he assaulted a police officer at a similar protest in an attempt to free another protester.