Overview
- Police say Brandon Booth, a 42-year-old GEO Group employee, fired one shot during a verbal confrontation with two protesters on Thursday night and struck a woman in the lower body who was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Officers detained Booth less than two blocks from the scene, recovered a firearm in his vehicle, and booked him on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder, assault and related felonies while GEO Group placed him on unpaid administrative leave.
- The Aurora Police Department has an open criminal probe, is asking the public for tips and video, and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will decide formal charges.
- The shooting follows two recent fatal encounters involving ICE officers that prompted short-term policy changes and public protests, and reporting on July 19 raised new concerns about whether the FBI will continue to investigate assault claims involving ICE personnel.
- Advocates and local leaders say the incident highlights gaps in oversight of private contractors and ICE tactics, increases fear among protesters, and could prompt calls for tighter vetting, clearer use-of-force limits, and independent reviews.