KBI Investigates Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting of 24-Year-Old Paul Beasley Jr. in Kansas City, Kansas
KANSAS CITY, KS — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is examining the circumstances surrounding a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, following what authorities describe as an armed confrontation.
According to preliminary details provided by the KBI, the chain of events began at approximately 2:49 p.m., when officers were dispatched to reports of a disturbance in a residential area. The man involved was later identified as Paul Beasley Jr., 24, of Kansas City, Kansas. Witnesses told investigators that Beasley appeared agitated and was reportedly armed when officers arrived.
Upon making contact, police say Beasley refused verbal commands to drop his weapon. The situation escalated quickly, and according to the KBI, the confrontation reached a point where at least one officer discharged their firearm. Beasley was struck multiple times.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene and began life-saving measures, but Beasley succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after. No officers were injured during the incident.
The KBI has taken over the investigation, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings in Kansas. Agents are now working to gather physical evidence, review body camera footage, and interview witnesses to determine exactly what led to the deadly encounter. The identity of the officer or officers involved has not yet been released.
“Our goal is to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts,” a KBI spokesperson said. “Once complete, the findings will be submitted to the Wyandotte County District Attorney for review.”
The incident has sparked conversations within the community, with some calling for patience until the investigation is complete, while others are demanding greater transparency in cases involving the use of deadly force. Local advocacy groups have urged authorities to release body camera footage as soon as possible.
Friends and family of Beasley describe him as a young man who, despite recent struggles, was loved by many. Several have taken to social media to express grief, frustration, and a desire for answers about what happened in the moments leading up to his death.
As the investigation continues, the KBI is encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact their office. For now, the neighborhood where the shooting occurred is left grappling with the shock of violence and the complex emotions that follow such a tragedy.