US officers kill armed woman in standoff

Maryland police fatally shot an armed black woman who espoused anti-government views and threatened to kill officers during a standoff where her 5-year-old son was wounded, authorities said yesterday.

The shooting of Korryn Gaines, 23, of Randallstown, about 27km north-west of Baltimore, took place on Monday.

Gaines pointed a shotgun at officers when they arrived at her apartment to serve warrants on her and Kareem Courtney, 39, her boyfriend, said police.

“When somebody points a gun directly at an officer and threatens to shoot them, it very well may not end well. That is the situation we had in this case,” said police spokeswoman Elise Armacost.

Police said Gaines was live-streaming video during the face-off and followers were encouraging her not to give in peacefully.

Gaines had faced charges that included disorderly conduct and resisting arrest from a March traffic stop. Courtney was wanted for an assault charge against Gaines.

After a standoff of about five hours, an officer fired when Gaines pointed the gun at officers and threatened to kill them.

She was killed in an exchange of fire. The boy was struck in the arm and is in good condition at a hospital. Who fired the round that hit him is not known.