Video of fatal Boston terror suspect shooting released as investigation continues

Surveillance video of the fatal shooting of Boston terror suspect Usaama Rahim was released on 8 June by Boston officials.

The fuzzy video shows Rahim, who is suspected of plotting to decapitate a Boston police officer, walking through a Roslingdale CVS car park on 2 June as he's surrounded by six members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in plain clothes. The officers first approach Rahim but then back up as he walks towards them.

Rahim is barely visible as the officers draw their weapons and fire on the 26-year-old, according to The Associated Press. He is then seen falling to the ground. The original video, which comes from a Burger King restaurant nearby, does not make clear why the officials shot on Rahim.

According to the AP, police revealed two officers, an FBI agent and a police officer, fired three shots. Boston Police Commissioner William Evans told reporters that the video "speaks for itself" and that it shows why the black Muslim terror suspect was shot by officers. Authorities claim the man refused to drop a military-style knife and was then shot.

"This guy had a malicious intent," Evans said. "We averted a serious tragedy that day."

The Boston Globe reported that following the shooting, an officer is seen reaching down to Rahim and picking up an object. Police claim that object was a foot-long combat knife.

Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley said the video was released prior to the completion of the investigation over growing demand for "transparency and accountability" when police use lethal force, the AP reported.

"For this reason, we've agreed to release certain video evidence earlier when it can help illuminate the facts, and when doing so won't compromise the integrity of the investigation," Conley said.

Video released after being seen by the family and ethnic minority leaders

Conley said that his office has not "made any findings yet" adding: "A great deal of work needs to be done."

The video's release to the public comes after authorities allowed leaders of the black and Muslim communities, as well as Rahim's family, to see the video.

While Darnell Williams, president of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, said the video corroborated the police's account, Boston Imam Abdullah Faaruuq said the video was "inconclusive".

Federal officials said Rahim had been under 24-hour surveillance and was recorded by officers before the shooting that he planned to kill the "boys in blue". He is also believed to have been in contact with Isis-related social media accounts.

Rahim's nephew, David Wright of neighbouring Everett, was arrested in connection with the plan. According to the Globe, he was pleaded not guilty to a federal charge and is being held without bail.