The fatal police shooting of Bich Cau Thi Tran in her San Jose home sparked protests over excessive force and resulted in a $1.8 million settlement.
Key Facts
- Date of incident
- July 13, 2003
- Location
- San Jose, California
- Weapon held by victim
- Asian vegetable peeler
- Shot fired
- Once, in the chest
- Lawsuit settlement
- 1800000 USD
- Community response
- Protests by Vietnamese American community in San Jose
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
San Jose police officers responded to a call and encountered Bich Cau Thi Tran inside her home. She was wielding an Asian vegetable peeler and advancing toward the two officers, prompting a use-of-force decision.
On July 13, 2003, a San Jose Police officer shot Bich Cau Thi Tran once in the chest inside her home while she was holding a vegetable peeler. She died as a result of the single gunshot wound.
The shooting provoked significant protests from the Vietnamese American community in San Jose, who accused the officer of using excessive force. Tran's family subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city of San Jose and was awarded $1.8 million in damages.