An officer in Mississippi has been placed on administrative leave after the fatal shooting of one-year-old Kohen Wiley during a response to a shoplifting incident. Authorities confirmed the development on Tuesday night. The event took place outside a Walmart in Senatobia on Sunday.

According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Wiley was in a car with his mother and a friend when they left the store. As police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly moved toward law enforcement, nearly striking an officer. The officer then fired shots at the car, which subsequently drove away. The two women later reached a hospital where Kohen was declared dead.

The officer who discharged the firearm has not been named but has been placed on administrative leave. This action follows the standard protocol for shootings involving officers. According to a statement on Facebook by the city of Senatobia, the decision was made during a meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

Protests continued outside the Walmart on Tuesday night. Law enforcement utilized tear gas to disperse demonstrators, as reported by Action News 5. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Wiley family, expressed concern in a statement on X. He highlighted the innocence of the child and stated that the family plans to seek justice for the loss of Kohen.

The Senatobia Police Department, involved in responding to the initial call, assured the public of their commitment to transparency. In a statement issued on Sunday, they promised to share verified information as the investigation unfolds.

The story is ongoing and will receive further updates.