New England grapples with fatal police shootings amid mental health crises

Fatal encounters between police and civilians have continued across New England in recent years. New Hampshire and Massachusetts have both recorded multiple shootings, with some cases involving mental health crises. Researchers are now examining patterns in these incidents, including the role of firearms and emergency response protocols. In Massachusetts, data from the Washington Post shows a steady but lower number of fatal police shootings compared to previous years. The state recorded two such incidents in 2024, down from five in both 2023 and 2022. One recent case involved a man killed in Boston’s Fenway neighbourhood after he attacked first responders with a sword.

New Hampshire has seen a higher frequency of these events. The state’s Attorney General’s office reported nine fatal police shootings in both 2024 and 2025, followed by three in 2026. In April, a 32-year-old woman armed with a knife was fatally shot by officers in Northfield. Earlier, a 38-year-old man in Raymond exchanged gunfire with police before taking his own life; his brother later revealed a history of mental health struggles. Researchers at Harvard’s Injury Control Research Center have analysed trends using the *Washington Post* database. Their findings show that 12 percent of fatal police shootings nationwide occur during responses to behavioural health calls. Separately, the FBI tracks these incidents but depends on local departments to submit reports. Dr. David Hemenway, the centre’s director, also noted a link between firearm availability and the likelihood of such shootings. Meanwhile, studies suggest that up to 20 percent of police calls now involve a mental health crisis.

The data highlights ongoing challenges in how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies and armed individuals. With variations in reporting and regional differences in incident rates, researchers continue to assess the factors driving these encounters. Both states have seen cases where mental health and weapon possession played a role in fatal outcomes.