Post submitted by Brian McBride, former HRC Digital Strategist 

HRC was saddened to learn that Kiwi Herring, a married transgender woman of color and mother of three young children, was shot and killed by police in St. Louis, Missouri, earlier this week.

HuffPost reports that police were dispatched after Herring, 30, allegedly stabbed her neighbor. Relatives told HuffPost that Herring had been harassed and threatened by the neighbor.  

Following an altercation on the scene, police discharged their weapons. Herring was pronounced dead at the scene.

Acting St. Louis Police Chief Larry O’Toole described the injured officer’s wound as “not that serious.” The officer was treated at a local hospital and released.

Herring’s relatives allege that the neighbor, who has not been identified, was transphobic, and that police used excessive force in responding to the situation.

“Kiwi was harassed and executed and it’s a horrible feeling,” Herring’s sister-in-law, Crevonda Nance, told HuffPost, which reports that police are investigating but have not confirmed Nance’s allegations.

O’Toole said the motive of the attack is “unclear” but noted there had been several calls to Herring’s address over “domestic issues.”

Relatives and friends gathered Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil and protest outside Herring’s apartment.

Herring is the 18th known transgender person killed this year. So far, almost every victim has been a woman of color -- and nearly all have been Black women.