Lawyers representing the family of Keith Porter Jr., a 43-year-old father of two shot and killed outside his Los Angeles apartment, are urging Rob Bonta to launch an independent investigation into the incident, citing a lack of trust in the Los Angeles Police Department. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said the family doubts the department can conduct a “fair and transparent” probe into the January 31 shooting involving an off-duty agent from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. LAPD has released limited details, and Bonta’s office declined to confirm or deny any potential state-level investigation.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, Porter was believed to be an “active shooter” and was killed during an exchange of gunfire with the off-duty agent, who lived in the same apartment complex and was described as “protecting his community.” That account has not been independently verified. Another attorney for the family, Jamal Tooson, said more than a month after the shooting, relatives still lack “meaningful answers.” He disputed claims of a gunfight, noting an autopsy showed Porter was struck three times, which he said aligns with an audio recording capturing three shots that has since been given to investigators.
Accounts of what led to the confrontation differ sharply. The Los Angeles Times, citing friends and advocates, reported Porter may have been firing into the air in New Year’s celebration — a dangerous and illegal practice. Black Lives Matter offered a similar narrative, alleging the agent retrieved tactical gear and an ICE-issued weapon before returning outside. Tooson said multiple people in the area were shooting but that he has not found a witness who saw Porter fire. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said its Justice System Integrity Division will routinely review the case once the LAPD investigation is complete.
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