Who was Brian Sherman? Nashville cop shot dead by mentally ill suspect who set up 911 call and killed himself
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: A Metro Nashville police officer was shot dead on Tuesday evening, May 4, in South Nashville while he was responding to what police called a false active shooter call.
Officer Brian Sherman was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment of gunshot wounds to his left arm after he was shot on Sugarloaf Drive, where officers had responded to a call of a shooting at 6.10 pm on Tuesday, May 4.
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Metro police spokesperson Don Aaron said in a statement that the officers had responded after a man called 911 to report that his brother had killed his mother and gunshots were being fired inside the house. “This was a ruse or a setup to get the police to come to the house,” Aaron said during a news conference on May 4. Three officers, including Sherman, arrived at the front door of a home and as soon as they knocked, police said the door was opened and multiple shots were fired at the officers.
Aaron also added that the officers did not fire back at the shooter, but the gunman identified as Salman Mohamed eventually exited the house, armed with a rifle. Officers attempted to negotiate with the 22-year-old but said Mohamed put the rifle to his head and pulled the trigger, fatally shooting himself. “We believe the person who made the 911 call is Mohamed himself,” according to Aaron. “On the 911 call, you can hear him saying that he’s scared. That shots are continuing to be fired. ‘Hurry — hurry. Please get here in a hurry.'” No other officers were injured, Aaron added.
Mohamed has no previous criminal record in Nashville. On Wednesday, May 5, Mohamed's family released a statement saying, "Our son Salman has been suffering and struggling with mental health issues. We, as a family, have been searching for answers. He was an overachieving, gifted student when he was feeling well. We are devastated by the loss of our son and our lives are forever changed. Our heartfelt thanks to our brave officers and first responders; especially officer Sherman. Your family, friends, and colleagues are in our thoughts and prayers as you make a speedy recovery. Our family was informed of our son’s death by representatives of MNPD speaking to the media sharing inaccurate information. We ask that further comments from law enforcement be those reflecting demonstrable facts."
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you need help, please call 1-800-273-8255.