California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a report on the officer-involved shooting of Trent Millsap, which occurred in Anaheim, California, on July 15, 2022. The release is part of the ongoing efforts by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to enhance transparency and accountability within law enforcement.
Attorney General Bonta stated, “The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to working together with all law enforcement partners to ensure an unbiased, transparent, and accountable legal system for every resident of California.” He emphasized that Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506) serves as a critical tool for transparency and accountability.
The incident involved members of the Westminster Police Department assigned to the West County SWAT team. They were tasked with serving a search and arrest warrant on Mr. Millsap for suspected involvement in a murder two days prior. During the operation, Mr. Millsap’s actions led officers to believe he was reaching for a concealed weapon, resulting in him being shot by detectives from the Westminster Police Department.
Following an investigation mandated by AB 1506—which requires DOJ scrutiny of all officer-involved shootings leading to civilian deaths—DOJ concluded there was insufficient evidence for criminal charges against the officers involved. DOJ’s analysis determined that lethal force used was justified under perceived imminent risk conditions.
As part of its findings, DOJ made four policy recommendations: revising operational planning policies per National Tactical Officers Association guidelines; clarifying de-escalation policies; evaluating canine deployment appropriateness; and addressing uniform policies during operations.
A copy of the report is available online.
