No Charges for St. Paul Police Officer Who Fatally Shot 65 Year Old Yia Xiong

ST. PAUL— The St. Paul police officer who fatally shot 65 year old Yia Xiong in 2023 will not face charges in Xiong’s death.

Last February, officers were called to a St. Paul apartment complex on a report of a man wielding a knife.

Officers Abdirahman Dahir and Noushue Cha can be seen on body cam footage approaching Xiong, who was holding a traditional Hmong knife, in his doorway. Xiong spoke little English and was partially deaf.

Xiong then turned away from officers in an attempt to get back into his apartment, but officers stopped him. Xiong took a step towards the officers, at which point Dahir opened fire and Cha deployed his taser.

Xiong’s death was investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Ramsey County, and the Minnesota Attorney General.

In a statement released after the decision not to press criminal charges was publicized, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said, “The facts of this case and our use of force expert’s opinion led us to conclude that Officer Abdirahmin Dahir’s use of deadly force was justified under the law and that no criminal charges are appropriate.”

Choi continued, “I am deeply saddened that this legal decision may deepen the pain for Mr. Yia Xiong’s family and community members who wanted something different.”

Advocates have been vocal about the fact that Xiong attempted to go back into his apartment and shut the door. Many believe officers could have used that instance to defuse the situation rather than use force. Xiong’s family is seeking justice and accountability.

What do you think about this outcome?