In a tragic incident on April 5, 2025, 17-year-old Victor Perez, who had autism and cerebral palsy, was fatally shot by police in Idaho just 16 seconds after they arrived on the scene.

The shooting of Victor Perez has sparked outrage and protests in the community, raising critical questions about police training and response to individuals with disabilities. Eyewitness accounts and the rapid use of lethal force—just 16 seconds after officers arrived—highlight concerns over the failure to de-escalate the situation. As Perez's family plans a wrongful death lawsuit and local leaders express their condolences, the Idaho Attorney General is set to review the case, which is also under investigation by the East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force.

Body camera footage from the incident reveals that police officers shouted 'drop the knife' multiple times before discharging their weapons. The officers were positioned on the opposite side of a chain link fence while Victor Perez was holding a knife, raising questions about the necessity and appropriateness of their response.

According to his aunt, Victor Perez was nonverbal and had the mental age of a five-year-old. This crucial context underscores the challenges in interacting with individuals with disabilities and raises concerns regarding the officers' ability to assess the situation adequately.

Perez's family has expressed their intent to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Pocatello, citing the lack of attempts to de-escalate the situation prior to the use of lethal force. This legal action reflects ongoing frustrations with how law enforcement handles crises involving individuals with special needs.

Following the shooting, which left Perez brain dead, he was removed from life support a week later, solidifying the tragic outcome of the incident. This timeline has fueled further outrage among community members and activists.

The local community has reacted strongly to the incident, with protests erupting outside both the hospital where Perez was treated and city hall. Demonstrators have voiced their anger over the police actions and sought accountability for the use of deadly force.

Pocatello Police Chief and the Mayor of Pocatello have publicly expressed condolences to the Perez family, acknowledging the tragedy and the emotional upheaval it has caused within the community. Their statements, however, do little to alleviate concerns among citizens regarding the protocols followed by law enforcement officers during such encounters.

The police video released from the scene indicated that officers were unaware of Perez's medical condition at the time of the encounter. This lack of awareness raises significant concerns about the training officers receive in recognizing and addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities in crisis situations.

Neighbors of the Perez family have described the scene as chaotic, with one eyewitness stating that the police acted like a 'death squad.' These accounts highlight the intensity of the situation and provide insight into the fear and confusion that accompanied the events leading up to the shooting.

In accordance with standard procedure, the Idaho Attorney General will review the investigation once it is completed. The review is intended to ensure that all facts are examined thoroughly and to address any potential issues regarding the use of force by police in this instance.

As the investigation by the East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force continues, questions surrounding police protocols, training regarding individuals with disabilities, and community safety practices remain at the forefront of discussions in Pocatello. The outcome of this case may have implications for future law enforcement practices and policies, particularly regarding interactions with vulnerable populations.