A tragic incident unfolded outside of Chicago over the weekend, resulting in the fatal shooting of a Black security guard who was in the process of detaining an active shooter. The guard, 26-year-old Malik Thompson, was on duty at a local bar and grill when a gunman opened fire. Thompson, a licensed security professional, had successfully subdued the suspect and was holding him down when police arrived on the scene.
Witnesses reported that despite Thompson’s uniform and clear role as a security guard, officers mistook him for a threat. A bystander, Jessica Fields, recounted, “People were yelling, ‘Security! Security!’ but it didn’t matter. They just saw a Black man with a gun.” Tragically, officers shot Thompson, who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The incident left several others injured, including the original assailant.
An investigation is currently underway involving the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police. In the wake of this heartbreaking event, Thompson’s family has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the officer involved and the police department. Community members gathered for a vigil in his honor, expressing their grief and disbelief over the loss.
Thompson was not only a dedicated security guard but also had aspirations of becoming a police officer himself. He was known for his love of music, playing the organ at various local churches. His unexpected death has left a profound impact on those who knew him, including his nine-month-old son. “This was supposed to be my baby’s first Christmas with his dad,” lamented the child’s mother, Lisa Carter. “Now he will miss out on so much.”
The pastor of a local church where Thompson was scheduled to perform that day voiced his outrage, asking, “How could a security guard, simply doing his job, end up being shot by the police?”
In memory of Malik, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist with funeral expenses for his young son. For more information on how to support families in similar situations, visit this blog post on home insemination.
As we reflect on this tragedy, it serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address issues of racial profiling and police conduct in our communities. Further resources on pregnancy and home insemination can be found at Cleveland Clinic’s IVF and Fertility Preservation podcast and for practical tools, check out CryoBaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit.
Summary
Malik Thompson, a Black security guard, was fatally shot by police while restraining an active shooter at a bar in Illinois. Witnesses reported that officers failed to recognize him as a security professional. This incident raises concerns about racial profiling and police response. Thompson’s family is pursuing legal action, and a vigil was held in his memory.