Cambridge Police Statement On Judicial Inquest

After a difficult 10 months, the findings from the District Attorney’s Inquest associated with the January 4, 2023 death of Sayed Arif Faisal have been released. Judge John Coffey found that Cambridge Police Officer McMahon’s decision to fire his weapon was “objectively reasonable” and the Court found that the fatal shooting was “justified and does not constitute a criminal act.” The full report is available on the District Attorney’s website and we encourage our community to read the decision and all of the information in its entirety. 

Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow and her department continue to mourn the loss of Faisal. “There is no doubt that this is a tragedy for our entire community. My heart goes out to Faisal’s family and everyone who has been impacted,” said Elow.

This report also outlines how police officers can face incredibly complex, difficult, and dangerous situations. “No officer ever wants to be put in the position where they have to use fatal force, and if it happens it stays with each of us forever,” said Elow. “This tragedy has impacted our entire department.”

Our Police Department remains deeply committed to thorough introspection, learning and growth as an organization.