On April 21, 2021, Andrew Brown Jr., a 42-year-old black American, was killed by a gunshot to the back of the head by the Sheriff Department in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, United States.

[3] The District Attorney disagreed, saying shots were heard only after Brown put the vehicle in motion, attempted to flee, and caused the car to "make contact" with the arresting officers (none of the deputies sustained injuries).

[18] On April 26, Brown's family and their lawyer, Chantel Cherry-Lassiter, were allowed by Pasquotank County to watch a short video of the shooting from one deputy's body camera.

Womble said police "shouted commands and tried to open the car before any shots were fired," and called the family lawyer's description of events "patently false".

[26] An agency spokesman stated, "Agents will work closely with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice to determine whether federal laws were violated.

In addition to seeking $30 million in damages, the lawsuit sought release of audio files and body cam footage of the shooting that hadn't been made public.

[28] In June 2022, Brown's family was awarded a $3 million settlement from the North Carolina police department, approved by the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners.

[30] Elizabeth City Mayor Bettie Parker declared a state of emergency before the full release of the body cam footage that led up to the shooting.

After initially being allowed to enter the street by Elizabeth City Police Department, the woman drove into the group, striking three people, before driving away.

[33] White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated, "Obviously, the loss of life is a tragedy and obviously we're thinking of the family members and the community" and that President Biden was aware of the situation.

[10][34] Cooper wrote, "Initial reports of the shooting in Elizabeth City and death of Andrew Brown, Jr. this week are tragic and extremely concerning.

"[35] Governor Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein would later travel to Elizabeth City to meet with the Pasquotank NAACP, to address safety concerns in light of local protesters receiving threats.