**Confirmation on the actual events leading to Harry Gipson’s death still unclear**
Reports surfaced Thursday that Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Gipson’s father was shot and killed by law enforcement earlier that morning.
The story originated through the Clarion Ledger reporting that Harry Gipson, 70, was shot during an incident with a Simpson County sheriff’s deputy. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the matter.
In the release regarding the shooting there was no identification of Gipson or the officer.
In Commissioner Gipson’s public statement he says his father “passed away tragically this morning after a years-long struggle with a brain injury and related illness.”
View the post below:
“At the request of the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the circumstances that led to an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday morning in Simpson County,” MBI officials said in a statement. “All investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney’s office throughout the process for consideration and review. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation will refrain from further comment regarding this ongoing case in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.”
Lt. Investigator Chris Wallace, with the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, told WAPT, there was in fact a shooting, but did not release the names of those involved. Wallace referred questions to MBI.
At this time it is still unclear of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Gipson’s death. We will update you as the investigation continues.
Sarah Ulmer
