HaHartford, Connecticut – On February 19, 2026, a Hartford police officer fatally shot 53-year-old Everard Walker during a response to a mental health evaluation at his third-floor apartment in the Whitney Manor Apartments on Capitol Avenue. A family member had contacted Connecticut’s 211 crisis line seeking assistance for Walker, who was experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Around 10:08 a.m., two mental health professionals from the Capitol Region Mental Health Center responded with several Hartford police officers. Walker’s son and daughter were present in the apartment; his fiancé later arrived. Officers first attempted to speak with Walker from the hallway through an open door. Officers entered the apartment but retreated after expressing concern that Walker might throw a pot of boiling water. Around 11 a.m., during another attempt to enter, Walker tried to close the door while being physically restrained by his son. A physical altercation then occurred involving Walker, his two children, and police officers. Walker pulled a knife from his waistband and attempted to stab Officer Rivera, who had fallen backward. Body camera footage shows Officer Clifford firing multiple shots at Walker. Walker was transported to Saint Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. Police recovered the knife at the scene. Two Hartford police officers were evaluated at a hospital but were not injured