Armed man shot by police in NH following distress call in ‘critical but stable condition,’ AG says

Yahoo! News - Apr 30th, 2025

Authorities are currently investigating a police shooting that occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Keene. Officers responded to a distress call at the intersection of Baker and Colby Street, where they encountered Cullen Costa, a 25-year-old man allegedly carrying a gun. During the encounter, an officer discharged his weapon, critically injuring Costa, who was transported to a hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition. The Attorney General's office, led by John M. Formella, has not disclosed the specifics of what led to the use of deadly force, and the officer involved has not been named pending further investigation. No officers were injured during the incident.

This incident has raised concerns about police use of force and the circumstances that justify such actions. The ongoing investigation by the Attorney General's office aims to provide clarity and accountability, which is crucial for maintaining public trust. The shooting has already sparked community interest and may lead to discussions on law enforcement protocols and mental health interventions in situations involving individuals in distress. Further developments are anticipated as more information becomes available.

Investigation Police Shooting Cullen Costa John M. Formella Keene Police Use Of Force

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a timely and mostly accurate account of an officer-involved shooting, drawing on credible sources like the Attorney General's office. It effectively communicates the basic facts of the incident but lacks depth in terms of transparency and balance. The absence of diverse perspectives and detailed context limits the story's impact and engagement potential. While the article maintains clarity and neutrality, its effectiveness could be enhanced by including more comprehensive information and viewpoints. Overall, the piece serves as a solid initial report on a significant local event, with room for improvement in areas such as transparency and source diversity.

Accuracy

The news story appears to be mostly accurate, but there are several areas where further verification is needed. The report accurately states that Keene Police responded to a 911 call and that a man named Cullen Costa was involved in an officer-involved shooting. However, the claim that Costa was 'allegedly armed' is not directly confirmed by the Attorney General's office, which introduces some uncertainty about the weapon's presence. The story mentions Costa's medical condition as 'critical but stable,' aligning with the available information. However, details about the events leading up to the shooting and the exact nature of the threat posed by Costa are not provided, leaving some factual gaps.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of law enforcement and the Attorney General's office, which is typical in initial reports on such incidents. However, it lacks input from other potential perspectives, such as eyewitnesses or community members, which could provide a more rounded view of the incident. The absence of Costa's or his representatives' perspectives also limits the balance of the narrative, potentially skewing the reader's understanding of the events.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a straightforward structure that makes it easy to follow. The language is neutral and factual, avoiding sensationalism. The piece effectively communicates the key points of the incident, such as the location, individuals involved, and the current status of the investigation. However, the lack of detail in certain areas may leave readers with unanswered questions about the incident's specifics.

Source quality

The story cites the Attorney General's office and Keene Police, which are authoritative sources for this type of incident. These sources are credible and directly involved in the investigation, lending reliability to the reported facts. However, the article does not mention any independent verification or additional sources, which could enhance the story's credibility by corroborating the official accounts.

Transparency

The article provides basic information about the incident and cites official sources, but it lacks transparency in several areas. There is no explanation of the methodology used to gather information or any disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. The article does not clarify why certain details, such as the identity of the officer or specific circumstances of the shooting, are unavailable, which could help readers understand the limitations of the current information.