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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ordered a full investigation into the fatal police shooting of a beloved family dog by officers responding to a distress call just minutes after its owners celebrated the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory.
“Every life lost to violence is a tragedy, and we know that the devastating loss of Jameson will be felt by his family forever,” Bass told The California Post in a statement Tuesday.
“I have spoken directly to the Chief to ensure a full investigation and accountability for any wrongdoing.”
The mayor said she would closely monitor the probe into the shooting, which has sparked outrage across Los Angeles and fueled a massive fundraising effort for the dog’s grieving owners.
“I will make sure that the investigation is thorough and transparent so that Angelenos have a complete understanding of what happened to Jameson and this family,” Bass added.
Jameson — a 2-year-old mix of golden retriever, Saint Bernard and poodle — belonged to diehard Knicks fan Marie Marseille and her family. The curly-haired pup had been celebrating the team’s championship win Saturday night at Marseille’s Canoga Park apartment and was even photographed wearing a blue Knicks shirt shortly before he was killed.
The celebration turned tragic when officers from the LAPD’s Topanga Patrol Division responded to reports of a screaming woman inside the apartment complex shortly after 8 p.m.
According to police, Jameson was with his owner when officers asked her to secure the large dog. Authorities said Marseille briefly shut the apartment door before reopening it, allowing Jameson to exit.
Officers alleged the dog then charged toward one of them, prompting an officer to open fire.
Cellphone video captured the chaotic aftermath as Marseille screamed in disbelief.
“Oh my God! Oh my God,” she cried. “I cannot believe this is happening. I cannot believe this is happening.”
The shooting has triggered a wave of sympathy online and in the neighborhood, where a memorial of flowers and tributes has begun growing outside the family’s apartment.
A GoFundMe campaign launched in Jameson’s memory had raised more than $170,000 as of Wednesday afternoon, far exceeding its original $10,000 goal.
“On June 13th, 2026, 10 minutes after celebrating the Knicks championship win, our dog was fatally shot right outside our home,” the family wrote on the fundraiser.
“Jameson was 2 years old, and he was taken from us too soon. Anyone who’s met Jameson would tell you he is the sweetest boy in the world.”
The family said the donations would help cover cremation costs and support their push for “Justice for Jameson.”
The LAPD said the shooting remains under investigation.
Anti-police activists rushed to condemn the shooting, demanding that the department immediately release body camera footage and identify the officers involved.
English (US)