The FBI is facing scrutiny following the death of a 45-year-old disabled veteran, during a pre-dawn raid at his Henderson, Tennessee, home on August 16.
Theodore “Teddy” Deschler was fatally shot within 15 minutes of the FBI’s arrival at the home he lived in with his mother.
Deschler’s family is demanding answers about the justification for the raid and the circumstances leading to his death.
According to the family, the home was subjected to flashbang explosives, tear gas, and gunfire. It was later discovered that the windows were broken and the yard was damaged.
Deschler’s brother, Russell, believes Deschler was unarmed during the incident. He said that his brother was merely attempting to evacuate the tear-gas-filled home when he was shot.
Russell further claims that the positioning of the SWAT agents and the layout of the house made it impossible for them to find out whether Deschler was armed.
Witnesses, including neighbor Alex Morris, recounted hearing loud bangs, followed by calls from the FBI over loudspeakers, instructing everyone inside the house to come out with their hands raised.
Earlier in the year, Deschler was detained in relation to a gas station stabbing, according to the Selmer Police Department. The specifics surrounding the incident, including any resulting charges, have not been disclosed.
In an official statement, the FBI mentioned that the matter is currently under review by the FBI’s Inspection Division, in line with their policy. The Deschler family is contemplating a civil lawsuit against the bureau.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.