Denver, CO — The family of Rashaud Johnson, a 32-year-old Black man and standup comedian, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Aurora Police Officer Brandon Mills, accusing him of unjustly shooting Johnson during a mental health crisis and contributing to a pattern of racially discriminatory policing.
Shot Twice in the Chest After Struggle
The fatal incident occurred on May 12 in a remote parking lot near Denver International Airport, where Johnson was reportedly walking barefoot on hot pavement. According to the lawsuit filed Tuesday, employees had called 911 five times over two hours asking for a welfare check.
Body camera footage shows Officer Mills approached Johnson alone after reports that he was “trying to fight” people. When Johnson didn’t respond to questions and rushed toward him, Mills used his baton and Taser in an attempt to subdue him. The two ended up struggling on the ground, during which Johnson reportedly grabbed a spare ammunition magazine from Mills’ belt.
“After Mills pushed Johnson off him and ordered him to move back… Johnson stood still before slowly walking toward Mills,” the lawsuit states. “Mills then shot him from about 15 feet away.”
Mills fired two shots into Johnson’s chest. According to the lawsuit, he then held Johnson at gunpoint as he bled on the pavement, waiting nearly five minutes for another officer to arrive and offering no medical aid in the meantime.
Parents Demand Accountability
At a news conference with their legal team, Johnson’s grieving parents condemned the shooting.
“Someone who thought they were God, basically, took my baby’s life,” said his mother, Taushica Carter, tears streaming down her face. “As a military veteran, I can’t understand how someone sworn to uphold the law killed my only child.”
“We want his memory to be positive and the community to understand the loss that did not have to happen,” added his father, Christopher Johnson.
Lawsuit Alleges Pattern of Racial Bias
The suit alleges that the Aurora Police Department has failed to correct a long-standing pattern of racial discrimination, especially against Black residents in crisis. Johnson was unarmed and, according to the filing, posed no threat when he was killed.
Key allegations from the lawsuit:
- Johnson was experiencing a mental health crisis, not committing a crime.
- Officer Mills failed to provide life-saving assistance after the shooting.
- Johnson was shot despite not holding a weapon, as Mills himself confirmed on bodycam.
“The absence of a weapon does not mean there is an absence of danger,” Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said during a May 29 press conference on the incident.
Ongoing Investigations
The District Attorney’s office has not yet announced whether Mills will face criminal charges. A multi-agency investigation is still underway, according to DA Brian Mason’s spokesperson.
City Attorney Pete Schulte confirmed that the city will defend the officer and added:
“Like any critical incident, there are important facts that will be revealed by these investigations that are not depicted in a single body camera video.”
Officer Mills could not be reached for comment, and a message to the Aurora police union has not been returned.
Should mental health calls be handled by police or crisis responders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
