Boston Police Reject City Council Calls to Release Fatal Shooting Footage

Attorney cites DA's control over death investigation as reason to withhold body cam video

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:34pm

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An extreme close-up of a police badge reflecting a bright, harsh flash of light, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the incident.The withholding of body cam footage in a fatal police shooting has fueled public frustration and distrust in Boston.Boston Today

The Boston Police Department has rejected calls from the City Council to release body camera footage related to a fatal police shooting that led to a rare manslaughter charge against an officer. The department's general counsel argued that the Suffolk County District Attorney has jurisdiction over the death investigation and has directed that the footage not be released prior to a grand jury review.

Why it matters

The case has sparked debate over police transparency and accountability, with some councilors arguing the department's policies around releasing body cam footage should be updated to better align with the original intent of the technology. The decision to withhold the footage has also fueled frustration and a loss of public trust, according to city officials.

The details

At a City Council hearing, BPD general counsel Dave Fredette said the department must abide by the DA's directive not to release the footage, citing an exemption in public records law for active criminal investigations. Councilor Miniard Culpepper disagreed, arguing the police commissioner has discretion to release the footage even during a death investigation. Fredette said the department rejected over 300 of 800 body cam footage requests last year due to the investigative exemption.

  • The fatal police shooting occurred on March 11, 2026.
  • The Suffolk DA filed a rare manslaughter charge against the involved officer, Nicholas O'Malley, following the incident.
  • The City Council hearing was held on April 7, 2026.

The players

Dave Fredette

General counsel for the Boston Police Department.

Miniard Culpepper

Boston City Councilor who disagrees with the BPD's decision to withhold the body cam footage.

Kevin Hayden

Suffolk County District Attorney who has jurisdiction over the death investigation and has directed the BPD not to release the body cam footage prior to a grand jury review.

Nicholas O'Malley

Boston police officer charged with manslaughter in the fatal shooting.

Larry Calderone

President of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, who has criticized the DA for filing charges against the officer.

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What they’re saying

“The unfortunate incident that brings us all here today is a death investigation. As in all death investigations in Boston, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office is the one who directs and controls that investigation.”

— Dave Fredette, General counsel, Boston Police Department

“What it says is in cooperation with, so the police commissioner has his own say about whether or not, even in a death investigation, whether that body camera footage gets released.”

— Miniard Culpepper, Boston City Councilor

“As we've seen, when the footage is delayed or withheld, especially in moments of crisis, it creates confusion, frustration and a loss of trust in the very institutions we are working to strengthen.”

— Miniard Culpepper, Boston City Councilor

“My one and only concern is Officer O'Malley's ability to receive a fair trial, and for that reason, the video should not be released until after the trial.”

— Kenneth Anderson, Attorney for Officer Nicholas O'Malley

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case against Officer O'Malley will determine whether the body cam footage can be released to the public prior to the trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between police transparency, public trust, and the integrity of criminal investigations. It underscores the need for clear, consistent policies around the release of body cam footage that balance accountability and due process.