Family demands justice after LA man killed by off-duty ICE officer

Family of Keith Porter Calls for Investigation After Shooting

LOS ANGELES – The family of 43-year-old Keith Porter is speaking out.

Authorities reported that on New Year’s Eve, Porter fired celebratory gunshots outside his apartment. An off-duty ICE agent responded and shot him.

The family and their attorney, Jamal Tooson, are demanding a thorough investigation into the shooting.

Details of the Incident

They want law enforcement to interview everyone in the area that night. They aim to find out if Porter ever fired toward the off-duty federal agent.

Tooson stated they have not seen evidence that Porter was a threat.

“His heart, oh my gosh, he just loves so deeply,” said Franceola Armstrong, Porter’s mother. She is filled with grief and disbelief over her son’s death.

Statements from Law Enforcement

According to law enforcement, Porter fired celebratory gunshots into the air with an AR-15-style rifle. An LAPD report claims the off-duty federal officer confronted Porter, identified himself, and said Porter fired toward him, prompting the officer to return fire.

“We’re here to demand a thorough investigation. We’re here to demand justice,” Tooson said.

The family’s attorney believes the situation could have been avoided. He claims the off-duty ICE agent was not prepared to respond.

Comments from the Department of Homeland Security

“Had he just stayed in his apartment for five minutes, Keith would be with us,” Tooson said. “Instead of waiting for a trained officer from LAPD, he made a decision to grab a firearm.”

FOX 11 contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. DHS released a statement:

“On December 31, an off-duty ICE officer bravely responded to an active shooter situation at his apartment complex. To protect his life and others, he used his weapon and exchanged gunfire with the shooter. Fortunately, our officer was not injured while protecting his community.”

Investigation Status

“According to his version, Keith shot three shots toward him,” Tooson said. “We have questions about whether there were any shell casings recovered from Keith’s weapon.”

Keith’s family and attorney have not found a witness to confirm that he fired at the off-duty ICE agent.

Tooson said they support LAPD but added, “If it turns out that this individual’s story is not true, we are seeking for him to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

DHS stated this is an ongoing investigation by the LAPD and referred further questions to them.

FOX 11 reached out to LAPD, which said there are no updates at this time. The off-duty ICE agent has not been identified.

Summary of Key Facts