Footage Released from Officer-Involved Shooting
Published on June 30, 2026
On the evening of May 31, 2026, an officer-involved shooting occurred involving an Oak Park Police Officer and Christian Wallace at a gas station on the corner of Harrison St. and Austin Blvd. in Oak Park.
The officer initiated a traffic stop for a moving violation at approximately 9:10 p.m. During a protective pat down of Wallace, the officer discovered a concealed firearm. A struggle ensued and as the officer attempted to handcuff Wallace, Wallace regained control of the gun and freed himself. The officer then discharged his service weapon, striking Wallace four times.
Additional responding officers administered aid on the scene for more than three minutes before Wallace was transported to Loyola University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:59 p.m.
The officer was also transported to Loyola that evening. He was released from the hospital on June 1 and remains on medical leave for an injury sustained during the incident.
In order to be transparent and responsive to multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and media inquiries received by the Village of Oak Park and the Oak Park Police Department in regard to this incident, the Village today released footage from three (3) body-worn cameras (BWC), one (1) in-vehicle dashboard camera and two (2) gas station security cameras. The footage may include distressing and graphic content related to Wallace being shot.
Please be aware that the content may be seen in media reports. The footage may be disturbing or triggering for some viewers. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Click here to view footage from the officer-involved shooting
If you or someone you know is struggling after viewing this content, support is available:
- Thrive Counseling Center: Call 708-383-7500, option 1
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1
The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force (PITF) is continuing its independent investigation of this incident in coordination with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. This type of investigation is required to be conducted when there is an officer-involved death under the Police and Community Relations Improvement Act.
As part of the investigation, PITF personnel have worked to photograph and document the crime scene, collect pertinent evidence and conduct relevant interviews.
Once PITF’s investigation is complete, its report will be submitted to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecutorial review. The State’s Attorney’s Office will then conduct its own review, and may release a report publicly. Prosecutorial entities are solely responsible for deciding whether to file charges in criminal cases which fall under their geographical and legal jurisdiction.
The exact timeline for the completion of those investigations is unknown.
Statement from Village of Oak Park President Vicki Scaman:
“My heart continues to be with the family and friends of Christian Wallace during this incredibly difficult time. Until now, the video was withheld so that the Public Integrity Task Force could maintain the integrity of its investigation. Today, we can take an important step toward transparency owed to those family and friends, and to the entire community, with the release of the footage.
“Transparency and accountability are not just words for this Board. They are meaningful commitments that we must act on. We will continue to be as open and responsive as this process allows, for Christian, for his family, for the officer involved, and for every person who calls Oak Park home."
Statement from Village Manager Kevin J. Jackson:
“As a community, Oak Park has always met difficult moments by coming together with compassion, respect and a shared commitment to one another. The release of video from the officer-involved shooting will undoubtedly be difficult for many in our community, and we recognize the emotions and questions it may raise.
“While the independent investigation by the Illinois State Police continues, the Village remains committed to supporting an open and fair process grounded in partnership and meaningful oversight. Above all, we remain focused on preserving public trust, honoring the value of every human life and continuing the work of building a safe, inclusive and connected community.”
Statement from Police Chief Shatonya Johnson:
“We recognize this video may be difficult to watch, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident. As the independent investigation continues, we ask the community to remember that the video is one piece of evidence and that all facts must be carefully reviewed before conclusions are reached.
“Guided by the Ten Shared Principles, the Oak Park Police Department remains committed to transparency, accountability and treating every person with dignity and respect, with the preservation of human life at the center of everything we do. We will continue to provide information as appropriate while honoring the integrity of the investigation.”