Rally held for man killed in Helena officer-involved shooting

On November 13, 2024By Pranco

HELENA — A man’s friends and family killed in an officer-involved shooting held a peaceful meeting in Helena.

Investigators have not yet officially released the identity of the man shot.

However, according to longtime friend Andrea Cross Guns, Paul Rolfes was fatally shot by law enforcement officers at The Jesters Bar on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Police say while they were speaking with Rolfes, he brandished a knife at officers.

Officers first used non-lethal force in an attempt to subdue Rolfes with a Taser.

But after being tased, police say he stabbed one of the officers, and officers shot Rolfes.

The ally started on the lawn of the Montana State Capitol Building.

It then moved on to the Law and Justice Center, Governor Greg Gianforte’s home and The Jesters Bar, where Rolfes’ friends and family delivered memorial items, including flowers and photos.

Cross Guns says the meeting was intended to draw attention to how mental health crises are being addressed and share the need for more mental health resources in Montana.

Close-up of flowers and photo left for Rolfes

“I just don’t see any reason to fire eight gunshots at him. I’m certainly not trying to downplay the fact that an officer was injured, and we’re very glad he’s doing well, but Paul is not doing well. Paul is dead. , and that is a punishment forever,” Cross Guns said.

It is very important to remember that this is an ongoing investigation.

We reached out to the Helena Police Department and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, but both said they could not speak due to the investigation.

The facts of the incident will be released at the coroner’s inquest, which has not been scheduled.

MTN News will continue to follow this story and bring you the latest updates as they become available.