TEMPLE, Texas — A man was fatally shot by Temple police officers Thursday night, August 7, 2025, after pointing a firearm at officers outside the Temple Police Department located at 209 E Avenue A.
According to officials, the incident began around 9:09 p.m. when the Bell County Communications Center received a call from a man stating he was outside the department and unafraid to shoot himself. He told dispatchers he wanted police to shoot him, that he had a pistol, and that he had lost his wife and home.
When officers arrived minutes later, they attempted to deescalate the situation. The man initially held the gun to his head, repeatedly telling officers to shoot him and stating he had “lost everything.” An officer who had prior interactions with the man took over communication and spoke with him for several minutes.
At approximately 9:20 p.m., the man lowered the gun from his head, extended his arm, and pointed it toward several officers. Multiple officers then fired their duty weapons.
Officers provided medical aid until Temple Fire and Rescue and EMS arrived. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Rosanne Fisher.
Seven officers discharged their firearms during the incident. All have been placed on administrative leave with pay, and the Texas Rangers are leading the investigation. An internal affairs investigation is also underway.
The police department lobby and the roadway in front of the building remain temporarily closed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
