North Carolina police shooting ruled justified as governor faces criminal‑justice criticism

Surveillance video released by the Gaston County District Attorney shows undercover officers confronting Derrick Manigault, who brandished a realistic replica firearm inside Jakobs Food Mart in Gastonia, NC, on Jan. 10, 2026. The officers fired, killing Manigault. The DA’s investigation concluded the use of force was “legally justified” and declined to file criminal charges.

Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is running for the U.S. Senate, is under renewed attack from Republicans who label him “soft on crime.” Critics point to the January killing of Raleigh science teacher Zoe Welch, whose murder they say could have been prevented if a repeat offender, Ryan Camacho, had not been released after a Cooper‑appointed judge reduced his charges to a misdemeanor. The controversy is shaping the high‑stakes Senate race in North Carolina.

Both incidents have intensified scrutiny of the state’s criminal‑justice policies and law‑enforcement practices.