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DA: Officer justified for killing man at Capitol

Rocky Mountain News

Published August 4, 2007 at midnight

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A Colorado State Patrol trooper who shot and killed a gunman who walked into the Capitol last month feared for his life and the life of the governor and was justified to use deadly force.

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey revealed that finding in a 71-page letter sent today to Peter Weir, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety.

Morrissey gives this account of what happened on the day of the shooting:

Aaron Snyder entered the west door of the state Capitol building shortly before 2 p.m. July 16. Within five minutes he entered the temporary offices of Gov. Bill Ritter. Snyder was dressed in a black tuxedo and was carrying Remington hearing protection in his left hand.

He stated, "I am the Emperor and I am here to take over the State of Colorado."

State Patrol Trooper Jay Hemphill, who was assigned to protect the governor, intercepted Snyder in the reception area of the office, engaged him in discussion, and within a minute diplomatically got him back out the door.

Hemphill continued discussions with Snyder for approximately three more minutes.

They were standing immediately in front of the glass-windowed door to the governor's office at arm's length speaking in a moderate conversational tone. During the discussion Snyder's comments were disquieting and became challenging.

Hemphill became concerned enough that he made a 10-78 emergency alert from his radio (emergency-officer needs help). Snyder unexpectedly slid back his tuxedo coat revealing a large firearm protruding from his right pants pocket.

In concert with this action, he stated: "No police are going to stop me." Hemphill dropped the pen and notebook he was holding.

He drew his service pistol. As Snyder started moving toward him, Hemphill commanded loudly: "Stop-State Patrol- or I will kill you."

Snyder ignored the commands and continued to move toward Hemphill. Hemphill fired four shots. Snyder fell backward to the marble floor of the Capitol just to the right of the door to the governor's office. He was dead at the scene.