The Georgetown Hoyas women’s basketball team faced social media backlash after posting a tribute for former player Sydney Wilson, who was killed in an incident with police. Wilson, a 2013 graduate and player from 2009 to 2012, was shot by a crisis intervention officer in Fairfax County, Virginia, after she attacked him with a knife.
On Tuesday, police released bodycam footage showing Wilson slashing at officer Peter Liu, who was responding to concerns from her doctor about her mental health. The footage shows Wilson repeatedly attacking Liu, causing him to retreat and eventually fire multiple shots, leading to her death. Despite attempts to resuscitate her, Wilson did not survive.
Tragic loss? She slashed a cop in the face with a knife. pic.twitter.com/nyRCXtD85h
— Kangmin Lee | 이강민 (@kangminjlee) October 15, 2024
Chief Kevin Davis of the Fairfax County Police praised the officer’s handling of the dangerous situation. Social media users heavily criticized the Hoyas’ tribute post after the video surfaced, with many sharing footage of the incident alongside the team’s post.
Wilson, who played for the Hoyas until 2012, averaged 3.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and led the team with 24 blocks during her junior season.