An Australian woman has reportedly been shot dead by police responding to a 911 emergency call in the US city of Minneapolis.
The woman, aged 40, has not yet been formally identified. Family and friends told local media they did not want to identify her until the woman’s family in Australia were informed.
The two officers were responding to a call of a possible assault in an alleyway just before 11:30pm local time on Saturday.
“At one point an office fired their weapon, fatally striking a woman,” the police department said in a statement.
Local media say neighbours are mystified as to what occurred.
“I am heartsick and deeply disturbed by the incident,” Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges said in a statement.
“I’m seeking answers to the questions we all have, and will make sure to keep the communication flowing.”
Ms Hodges said she understood the police body cameras and squad camera, which were introduced to the Minneapolis Police Department in 2016, were not switched on when the shooting occurred.
She said the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) would lead the investigation into the shooting.
The two officers involved are on paid administrative leave which is standard procedure during BCA investigations.
A rally organised by local activist Mel Reeves is currently underway at the site of the shooting.
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