HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – A Hartford officer who shot and killed a man in the middle of a mental health crisis has been fired, according to the mayor’s office.
Officer Joseph Magnano shot and killed Steven Jones on Feb. 27, the Office of the Inspector General previously reported.
While the inspector general is still investigating the case, Mayor Arunan Arulampalam’s office released a statement about the firing of Magnano on Friday.
“Since the tragic officer-involved shooting on Feb. 27, 2026 involving Mr. Steven Jones, I have been clear about my administration’s commitment to accountability and a thorough review of our public safety protocols. I’ve also been consistently clear that I viewed what we’ve all seen in the body cam footage as deeply concerning.
The Office of the Inspector General is continuing its independent investigation into this incident, and we will continue to support their work in any way requested. However, the city has also undertaken its own efforts to identify avenues of response.
Today, I have made the determination that the city’s employment of Officer Joseph Magnano is terminated effective immediately on the grounds of his performance.
The Hartford Police Department is built on a foundation of trust and a commitment to serving every resident with excellence. To maintain that bond, we must ensure that every individual wearing a Hartford badge meets the highest professional standards.
In the body-worn camera footage of the incident, as well as publicly shared videos, I saw three officers work together as a team to de-escalate a mental health crisis in a way that exemplifies the best of our police department. The actions of Officer Magnano do not measure up to those standards.
In my State of the City address earlier this week, I spoke about the pain our community has felt and promised that we would not stand still. I recognize that the past four weeks since the incident first occurred have been a long, difficult, and often frustrating time for our community. Although the public may not see everything that happens at City Hall please know that I have been thinking about this tragedy and working each day for the past four weeks to bring a resolution to this situation.
I will not compromise on the expectations we set for those tasked with protecting our streets. Our focus remains on building a police force that is effective, transparent, and rooted in the respect and trust of the people of Hartford.”
Arulampalam’s office said he plans to speak about the firing during a news conference Friday afternoon.
The Hartford Police Union defended the shooting of Jones.
Lt. James Rutkauski, president of the Hartford Police Union, said Magnano was within his right to shoot Jones, who was holding a large knife during the incident.
“They did everything they could. There was nothing else to do,” Rutkauski said.
Jones was laid to rest on Thursday. The Rev. Al Sharpton spoke during the service.
Channel 3 is working to learn more.
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