DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department has released video from a fatal officer-involved shooting in downtown Des Moines in November of 2024.

It contains footage from officer-worn body cameras and security cameras in the lobby of Elsie Mason Manor, where officers shot and killed 70-year-old Charles Leonard on November 26^th.

Both the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and the Polk County Attorney have determined the shooting to be legally justified and said charges will not be filed against the two officers who opened fire.

Officials say Leonard pointed a gun at a female receptionist in the lobby of Elsie Mason Manor, at 430 Grand Avenue, around 6:05 a.m. on November 26^th and she called 911. She is heard on the call saying, “Please don’t shoot…yourself…or me.” A female resident walked into the lobby, saw what was happening, and also called 911.

Senior Officers Lanny Herzog and Christian Bishop responded to the scene at 6:10 a.m. and Leonard pointed his gun in the direction of the officers outside the building, then moved his wheelchair to face west, where the officers were visible through a large lobby window.

The female resident exited the building at 6:11 a.m. and at 6:12:10, Leonard raised the gun in his right hand toward the ceiling. Officer Bishop shined his weapon-mounted flashlight at Leonard through the window and at 6:12:31, Leonard lowered his weapon and pointed it directly at officers. Both officers fired multiple shots which struck Leonard and he dropped the handgun he was holding at 6:12:33.

Leonard died at the scene.

During the investigation of the shooting it was determined the pistol in Leonard’s possession was a Beretta replica airsoft pistol with the orange tip removed. The orange tip indicates it is not a firearm. Police said with the tip removed, the replica is indistinguishable from a firearm.

Police said Leonard’s family members indicated he struggled with prolonged physical and mental health issues and had been suicidal for many years.

The receptionist and the resident who came into contact with Leonard the morning of the shooting reported he told them he wanted officers to shoot him.

Des Moines Police Chief Michael McTaggart shared a statement Friday, along with the release of the video.

“Protecting our community is our greatest responsibility, and it is always our goal to first respond to crisis situations with efforts to negotiate and de-escalate.

Unfortunately, there are occasions where safety and circumstances limit the de-escalation process.

We will continue to provide our officers with the best training to respond to the wide range of challenging circumstances as they serve our neighborhoods, and support our community partners in their efforts to connect those in need with the mental health resources they need.”

Des Moines Police Chief Michael McTaggart

The officers involved in the shooting remain on paid administrative assignment.

DMPD will convene a Shooting Review Committee to examine the incident, as part of the official administrative review process.