Larry Eugene Jackson Jr., a 32-year-old African American man, was shot and killed by Austin Police Department Detective Charles Kleinert on July 26, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The incident occurred at Benchmark Bank on West 35th Street, where Jackson was present on the same day the bank had been robbed earlier. Jackson attempted to enter the bank, which was locked as bank staff and police discussed the robbery.
When questioned by Kleinert about why he falsely identified himself to a bank employee, Jackson ran. Kleinert pursued Jackson, enlisted the help of a passing motorist, and followed him on foot under a bridge where a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Kleinert's weapon unintentionally discharged, fatally striking Jackson in the back of the neck.
Following the incident, Kleinert reported that the shooting was accidental. Jackson did not have a weapon on him, but he had not been searched before running. Kleinert was indicted by a grand jury on the charge of manslaughter in May 2014. However, in October 2015, a judge dropped the charge against Kleinert, ruling that he was acting in his capacity as a federal officer as a member of an FBI task force. The judge dismissed the case with prejudice, asserting that the Supremacy Clause applied.
The aftermath of Jackson's death led to significant legal actions and public outcry. The Austin City Council approved a $1.25 million settlement to Jackson's children in August 2014. The attorney representing Jackson's family, Adam Loewy, expressed satisfaction with the indictment, stating that it was a step towards justice. The case drew attention to the issue of police use of deadly force, particularly against African Americans, and sparked discussions about accountability and the need for reform within law enforcement agencies.
