The Liberia National Police (LNP) has confirmed that a man identified as Matthew Mulbah was shot and killed by an officer after allegedly stabbing three police officers during a violent confrontation near the old LACC building in Congo Town on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Police Inspector General Hon. Gregory O. W. Coleman, the incident occurred at about 2:58 p.m. following a distress call reporting that an officer had been stabbed multiple times.
Responding officers ordered the suspect to surrender, but he reportedly ignored the command and charged at them with a cutlass, wounding another officer in the arm while trying to shield himself. A third officer managed to seize the weapon, but Mulbah allegedly drew a concealed knife from his trousers and stabbed the officer in the thigh before attempting another strike toward his abdomen.
Faced with what the police described as “an immediate threat to life,” one of the officers opened fire, killing Mulbah instantly and preventing further harm to others.
All injured officers and the suspect were rushed to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, where one officer remains in critical condition undergoing surgery. Mulbah was pronounced dead after emergency treatment.
Following the tragic incident, former Education Minister George Kronnisanyon Werner paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a longtime friend and shedding light on what may have led to the violent encounter.
“Matthew was my friend, a close friend. We lived in the same neighborhood, and I rarely took a walk without him. Whenever my car or generator gave me trouble, he was the first person I called,” Werner wrote.
“About a week ago, a mutual friend called to tell me that Matthew had fallen ill and that his behavior had become strange, almost violent. He was said to be suffering from malaria, possibly cerebral malaria.
Concerned, I reached out to several people to check on him. It was confirmed that he was mentally unstable. This morning, a few friends pooled resources to help take him to the hospital. But when they arrived, he became agitated and violent, injuring some of them in the process. They had no choice but to call the police.
Sadly, the police response was not handled with the necessary professionalism. In trying to disarm him, to take the knife from him, one or more officers were reportedly stabbed. In the chaos, they shot him in the stomach. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Matthew was a gentle giant. Since I met him in 2011, I never once saw him act violently toward anyone.
May God forgive his human limitations and grant him eternal rest. And may all those injured in this tragic incident find healing and recovery.”
Inspector General Coleman has expressed condolences to Mulbah’s family and called for public calm as the LNP launches a full-scale investigation into the matter. He also urged prayers for the injured officers still battling for recovery.
