NEW ORLEANS — The security officer who fired at a man following an altercation outside of the main library of New Orleans on Saturday has been terminated from her job and her former employer announced on Monday that it is having security officers undergo “refresher training” on use of force policies.
Chad J. Perez, the CEO of Pinnacle Security and Investigation announced the termination of security guard Kia Simmons, who was arrested after shooting Henry Mark seven times in the back, which left him in critical condition. Her name was not mentioned in the email about the incident.
Perez said the company would make no further comment as the incident is under investigation by the NOPD.
Simmons faces counts of attempted second-degree murder, battery, illegal use of weapons and two counts of criminal damage to property.
Video obtained by WWL-TV showed a commotion of some sort outside of the main library. At some point in the video, Mark is running away, but picks up an object and throws it, apparently striking Simmons. Then the security guard quickly fires off seven shots. There was a pause of several seconds and then she fired four more shots.
You do not see Mark after he runs off but police said that he was hit 7 times. A friend of Mark's told WWL-TV's Paul Murphy Monday that his friend was improving.
According to a police report, Simmons was asked how many times she had shot and replied, “too many.”
Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino told WWL-TV that he thinks a claim of self-defense will be a tough sell.
“If the assailant was lunging at the shooter with a deadly weapon, or even whatever the object was, that he threw at her, had he been running toward her with that, and preparing to throw at her, the case for self defense would be more compelling,” professor Ciolino said.
Read the full statement from Perez below:
"On Saturday, August 5th, one of our licensed armed security officers was working an assigned post at the New Orleans Main Library location. The security officer was involved in a physical altercation that led to the officer discharging her firearm, resulting in the injury of an individual. We will not make comments regarding the incident at this time since it is currently under investigation by the New Orleans Police Department. The security officer involved has been terminated and is no longer employed by Pinnacle Security. We have made the proper notification to the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners of the incident and the change in employment status of the security officer. In response to this incident, we are in the process of having all Pinnacle Security Officers undergo refresher training on our Use of Force Policies and the Use of Force Continuum."
Later Monday afternoon, the City of New Orleans issued the following statement:
"An unfortunate event took place on the grounds of the Main Library on Saturday. We are looking at the facts of the situation. The Library remains committed to the safety of all patrons and staff. This is an ongoing investigation, and as we learn more factual information, we will share it with you."
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