The Crown Office has found "no criminality" in the actions of police officers who shot a knifeman during a rampage at the Park Inn Hotel in Glasgow. Ayslum seeker Badreddin Abdalla Adam Bosh was killed by cops after he stabbed six people in a frenzied attack at the hotel on West George Street on June 26, 2020.
The 28-year-old Sudanese man was shot after attempts to use less-lethal weapons were unsuccessful. Those he injured included three asylum seekers, two hotel workers and a police officer who had responded to the initial emergency call.
An independent investigation was conducted by the Procurator Fiscal after Bosh was gunned down. The Crown Office found officers' decision to shoot and kill Bosh was "absolutely necessary". His family has been informed of the decision not to bring a prosecution.
The investigation, in which the Procurator Fiscal instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, examined the police management of the incident, the specific actions of the police officers directly involved in the shooting, and the post-incident procedures.
Kenny Donnelly, Deputy Crown Agent for COPFS (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service), said: “This was a terrible, tragic incident and our thoughts are with all of those affected. Such an incident is without precedent in the Police Scotland era and it is only right that the Procurator Fiscal conduct a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances of this fatal shooting.
“The investigation which followed found that the police officers involved acted appropriately throughout and their actions were legitimate and proportionate. This was fast-moving and complex situation involving significant risk because of the knife attacks being carried out.
“Police officers acted swiftly and decisively with the intention of protecting lives. All available evidence supports the conclusion that the use of lethal force was no more than absolutely necessary in the circumstances. The investigation into the wider circumstances is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept informed of any significant developments.”
Bosh was among more than 300 asylum seekers who were moved from homes into hotels at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The Home Office said it moved people into the hotel to reduce their risk of homelessness and to minimise the spread of Covid during the pandemic.
Adam had sought help with his declining mental health 72 times before he lashed out at the hotel. An independent inquiry, chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, found the stabbings was an "avoidable tragedy".
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “Armed officers are among the most highly trained in policing and they acted quickly and with professionalism to save lives in what was a spontaneous, fast-moving incident.
“It was right that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service conduct this investigation, but our officers will understandably be relieved about this decision, which has concluded that their actions were absolutely necessary.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone involved.”
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