Police Say Kenneth Harding Shot Himself

Did he shoot himself?

​Those who were looking for answers surrounding Saturday's officer-involved shooting which killed 19-year-old Kenneth Harding aren't going to feel satisfied by this news. Police are now saying Harding, a Seattle parolee, shot himself in the six-second gunshot exchange between him and police last Saturday.

SFPD held a press conference this afternoon, telling reporters that Harding was hit with two bullets -- one in his lung and one in his head. A .380-caliber bullet was found in his head -- yet police were firing .40-caliber ammunition. "We believe the fatal wound to Mr. Harding's body was self-inflicted. The investigation is still ongoing as to whether or nor this was accidental or an intentional act," Commander Mike Biel told reporters.

Initially, police believed officers had killed Harding in a gunfire exchange Saturday afternoon. Harding allegedly ran from officers who were conducting a Muni fare inspection in an attempt to dodge paying his fare. As he ran, he shot over his shoulder toward officers, who fired back. A total of 10 shots were fired during the six-second exchange.

Chief Greg Suhr held a town hall meeting last night at the Bayview Opera House, where hundreds of people showed up to discuss the shooting -- which some angry residents have said was racially motivated.  Suhr was booed of stage at the meeting, where he was clearly the target of much anger.

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