The Fairfax County Police Department has released body camera footage from a tragic incident that occurred last month in Reston, Virginia, resulting in the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old woman.

The footage captures the moments leading up to the shooting of Sydney Wilson, who was reported to be in an agitated state. On September 16, crisis intervention-trained officer Peter Liu responded to Wilson’s apartment on Sunrise Valley Drive after her doctor expressed concerns about her mental health.  

Upon arrival, Liu initially interacted with Wilson, who briefly opened her door before closing it and leaving the officer waiting outside for nearly 10 minutes.

When Wilson finally re-emerged, she was armed with a knife and immediately attacked Liu.

The body camera footage shows Liu repeatedly ordering Wilson to back away as she advanced towards him, slashing at him with the knife.

Despite multiple warnings, Wilson persisted in her aggressive behavior, forcing Liu into the hallway.

As Wilson lunged at Liu again, he fired three shots, striking her. The footage also reveals that Liu sustained a wound to his forehead during the struggle, inflicted by Wilson’s knife.

Additional officers arrived at the scene to assist, and Wilson was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis praised Liu’s actions, describing them as “valiant” and “exhibiting some grace under pressure.”

Davis noted that Liu gave Wilson at least eight verbal warnings before being forced to use deadly force.

Wilson, who was 6’5″ tall and weighed 330 pounds, had a history of mental health issues and prior interactions with law enforcement.

Officer Liu has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both a criminal and administrative investigation into the incident.