The family of Randall Adjessom, a 16-year-old killed during a no-knock raid by SWAT officers in Mobile, Alabama, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and unnamed officers. The lawsuit alleges wrongful death and excessive force, describing the fatal shooting as a “cold-blooded” act.
Predawn Raid Ends in Tragedy
On November 13, 2023, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Mobile SWAT officers broke down the door of Adjessom’s childhood home to execute a warrant tied to an investigation into his older brother for marijuana possession and distribution. Adjessom, who was not a suspect in the case, was asleep when the raid began.
According to the complaint, Adjessom exited his bedroom with a firearm but retreated with his hands up upon realizing the presence of law enforcement. Despite his compliance, an officer allegedly shot him four times within 11 seconds of entering the home.
The lawsuit also claims that officers delayed medical assistance, taking nearly 50 minutes to transport Adjessom to an emergency room located just eight minutes away. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family Alleges Police Brutality and Mishandling
The complaint outlines additional grievances, including the treatment of Adjessom’s family members, who were detained in the living room for hours before being informed of the teenager’s death. Akouvi Adjessom, Randall’s mother, condemned the actions of the police.
“They’re supposed to be peace officers, aren’t they? How many more young Black boys like Randall have to be buried following police brutality before the MPD’s legendary culture of unchecked excessive force is finally put to rest?” she said in a statement.
No-Knock Warrants Under Scrutiny
The lawsuit comes amid growing criticism of no-knock warrants, which allow police to enter a home without announcing their presence. The controversial practice has faced national scrutiny since the 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, and was further limited by the Department of Justice in 2021.
While the Mobile Police Department defended the officer’s actions, a report published earlier this year by a former federal prosecutor noted systemic misconduct within the department and questioned the decision to conduct the raid before dawn.
Findings from the Investigation
The investigation, commissioned by Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, found that the officer who shot Adjessom acted in compliance with the city’s use-of-force policy because the teenager was armed and posed a potential threat. However, the report criticized the decision to execute the warrant in a manner that failed to prioritize “the sanctity of life.”
The report also highlighted other instances of misconduct within the department, including unconstitutional detentions and excessive force. Despite these findings, the investigation stopped short of recommending federal oversight, suggesting that the department could implement reforms independently.
Efforts to Ban No-Knock Warrants Fall Short
In March 2024, an ordinance to ban no-knock warrants in Mobile failed to pass in the city council, leaving the practice intact. Advocates for reform argue that incidents like Adjessom’s death underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations.
