The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Thompson, Man., in 2021.

RCMP officers in the northern Manitoba city attended a residence on Oct. 25, 2021, to serve legal documents. When an officer arrived he was confronted by a man with a knife, a scene which was caught on video by witnesses.

As the man approached, the officer discharged his firearm and struck the man in his abdomen. He was transferred to hospital and underwent surgery.

The IIU overtook an investigation into the officer's actions, something they do anytime an officer is involved in an incident that causes a serious injury. The organization says it interviewed witnesses, the injured man, as well as a witness officer, viewed video recordings, throughout its investigation. The officer involved in the shooting declined to be interviewed, but provided his notes and a statement.

On Aug. 9 the IIU released its findings. Zane Tessler, the civilian director of the IIU, says that he is satisfied with the finding that based on the evidence the officer's decision to shoot the man "was necessary to prevent the injury or death to himself or anyone in the vicinity."

Tessler says the officer acted within his "sworn duty to protect the public from threats to their safety." The director states that the officer had made attempts to deescalate the situation but the man continued to move in a threatening manner. The officer will not face any charges in relation to the matter as a result of the findings.

The witness recording of the incident was widely circulated on social media at the time.