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Rally held in memory of man killed in Helena officer-involved shooting

Sakege November 13, 2024

HELENA — Friends and family of a man killed in officer-involved shooting held a peaceful demonstration in Helena.

Investigators have not officially revealed the identity of the man shot.

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

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

The officers first used non-lethal force and attempted to subdue Rolfes with a Taser.

But after receiving an electric shock, police say he stabbed one of the officers, at which point the officers shot Rolfes.

The ally began on the lawn of the Montana State Capitol building.

He then continued to the Law and Justice Center, Gov. Greg Gianforte’s home and The Jesters Bar, where friends and family of Rolfes left memorial items, including flowers and photographs.

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

Closeup of flowers and photo left for Rolfes

“I just don’t see a reason for him to be shot eight times. I’m certainly not trying to make light of the fact that an officer was hurt, and we’re very glad he’s okay, but Paul’s not okay. Paul’s dead, and that’s it. a forever sentence,” 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.