“`html
The women’s basketball squad at Georgetown University is facing backlash for commemorating a former athlete whose life was tragically cut short by a police officer after she attacked him with a knife.
The official social media account of the Hoyas recently expressed sorrow over the “tragic loss” of former player Sydney Wilson, who passed away last month. However, the tribute has sparked controversy following the release of body camera footage depicting her assaulting the officer, causing facial injuries, just prior to being shot fatally.
Georgetown women’s basketball mourns the tragic loss of Sydney Wilson (C’13). Forever a Hoya.#HoyaSaxa pic.twitter.com/vqwD8M6x4t
— Georgetown WBB (@GeorgetownWBB) September 20, 2024
@GeorgetownWBB
The heartfelt message has remained on the Georgetown women’s basketball team’s X page since September 20. Sydney, who was part of the team from 2009 to 2013, tragically lost her life on September 16, during the police encounter, and footage revealing the incident was made public just this Monday.
With the details surrounding her passing now unveiled, numerous individuals on the internet are urging Georgetown’s women’s basketball team to withdraw the tribute. A community note affirms that “Sydney Wilson was shot fatally after attempting to stab a police officer in Fairfax County, VA.”
The officer knocks again, assuring Wilson that she is “not in trouble.” When she finally reopens the door, she brandishes a knife in her right hand and lunges at Liu’s face.
“`
Liu retreats while Wilson advances towards him along the corridor, gripping a knife tightly … he requests her to “kindly step back.” In a sudden movement, Wilson strikes at Liu with the blade, prompting him to draw his firearm.
Authorities report that Liu discharged his weapon, striking Wilson three times in the torso, after which she was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where she was declared deceased.
Post-incident, Liu can be observed losing considerable amounts of blood due to the stab wound; however, law enforcement indicates that his injuries were not critical.