Atlantic City police shooting footage released by New Jersey Attorney General

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released body camera footage and radio transmissions regarding a fatal police shooting that occurred on June 2, 2026, in Atlantic City. The incident took place during an attempt by SWAT teams from the Atlantic City Police Department and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office to execute a search warrant at a residence on North Florida Avenue.

According to investigators, as officers breached the door, the occupant, identified as 52-year-old Donald Gardner, opened fire on the officers. The gunfire wounded two officers: Sergeant Christian Ivanov and another officer who was struck in the helmet. Officer Robert Reynolds responded by firing his weapon multiple times, striking Gardner, who was subsequently pronounced deceased. A handgun was recovered at the scene.

Records indicate that Gardner had a prior history involving law enforcement, including a 2013 police-involved shooting that left him paralyzed and a 2014 conviction for cocaine possession and firearm possession. He had been released on parole in 2023.