Iowa AG finds officers' use of force justified in Dubuque shooting

The state attorney general's office has concluded that police acted appropriately in a fatal incident.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Iowa Attorney General's office has determined that the use of lethal force by police officers in a Dubuque shooting incident was justified. The incident occurred in January and resulted in the death of a suspect who had allegedly threatened officers with a weapon.

Why it matters

This ruling will likely be seen as controversial by some community members who have raised concerns about police use of force, especially in incidents involving people of color. However, the state's top law enforcement agency has found the officers' actions to be within the bounds of the law.

The details

According to the state investigation, officers responded to a call about a disturbance and encountered an armed suspect who refused to comply with commands. The suspect allegedly threatened the officers with a weapon, leading them to open fire and fatally wound him.

  • The incident occurred in January 2026.

The players

Iowa Attorney General's office

The state's top law enforcement agency that conducted an investigation into the police shooting incident.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and some community members over the appropriate use of force, even when authorities determine the officers acted within the law.