One dead after officer-involved shooting in northwestern North Dakota

Authorities say deputies responded to a domestic disturbance involving a gun

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

A person has died after an officer-involved shooting in Williston, North Dakota. According to the Williams County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call around 1:30 a.m. on Monday and encountered an armed individual. The deputies fired at the person, striking them in the leg and torso. The injured individual was taken to the hospital but later died. Two other people were also hospitalized for injuries suffered during the domestic disturbance. No deputies were shot.

Why it matters

Officer-involved shootings are a sensitive and controversial topic, often sparking discussions around police use of force, mental health resources, and community relations. This incident in the rural town of Williston highlights the challenges law enforcement can face when responding to volatile domestic situations involving weapons.

The details

According to the Williams County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a gun around 1:30 a.m. on Monday west of Williston, North Dakota. When they arrived at the scene, they encountered an armed individual. The deputies fired at the person, striking them in the leg and torso. The deputies provided aid to the injured individual until emergency medical services arrived. The person was transported to the hospital in Williston where they later died. Two other people were also taken to the hospital for injuries suffered during the domestic disturbance incident.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • The injured individual was pronounced dead at the hospital in Williston.

The players

Williams County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the domestic disturbance call and was involved in the shooting incident.

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What’s next

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting to determine the full details and circumstances surrounding the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic officer-involved shooting in a small North Dakota town underscores the difficult and dangerous situations law enforcement can face when responding to domestic disturbances involving weapons. It will likely prompt renewed discussions around police use of force policies, mental health resources, and community relations.