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23h ago

Santa Clara DA Clears Officer in Fatal Shooting During Knife Attack

Prosecutors cite bodycam evidence to conclude lethal force was the only option.

Upon arrival, officers found Mohammed pinning his roommate, Eric Thompson, to the floor and holding a knife to his throat, authorities said. The knife broke from its handle during the attack.
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Overview

  • The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, which released its review Tuesday, concluded Officer Robert Allsup used lawful force.
  • Prosecutors say bodycam video shows Allsup ordering Nizamuddin Mohammed to drop a knife before firing four times as Mohammed moved toward Eric Thompson’s throat.
  • The attack unfolded in September 2025 as Thompson was stabbed, wrestled over a kitchen knife until the blade snapped, and faced a renewed assault with a larger knife.
  • The report describes weeks of rising conflict in the house, including thermostat fights and a court eviction hearing where Thompson testified against Mohammed.
  • An autopsy found no alcohol or common drugs in Mohammed, and Thompson later told police he doubts he would have survived without the quick police response.