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A rally was held for Helena, who was shot by police after stabbing a police officer

Harry November 12, 2024

Family and friends of a man shot and killed by police in Helena held a peaceful rally on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.

Investigators have not yet officially identified the man who was shot.

But according to longtime friend Andrea Cross Guns, it was Paul Rolfes who was fatally shot.

The incident took place at The Jesters Bar on Saturday, November 2.

While speaking to Rolfes, police said he pointed a knife at officers.

Officers first tried to subdue Rolfes with a Taser, using non-lethal force.

But after being Tased, police said he stabbed one of the officers, at which point the officers shot Rolfes.

Monday’s rally began on the lawn of the Montana State Capitol. This continued to the Law and Justice Center, Gov. Greg Gianforte’s home and Jesters Bar, where Rolfes’ friends and family left memorial items, including flowers and pictures.

Cross Guns said the purpose of the meeting was to bring attention to how mental health crises are being handled and to share the need for more mental health resources in Montana.

“I don’t see any reason why he should have been shot eight times. I’m certainly not trying to minimize the fact that a police officer was injured and we’re very glad he’s okay, but Paul is not okay. Paul is dead and that’s a sentence that will last forever,” Cross told Guns.

It is very important to remember that this is an ongoing investigation.

We contacted the Helena Police Department and the Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office, but both said they could not speak due to the investigation.

More details will be released during the coroner’s inquest, which has not yet been scheduled.

We will update you as we receive more information.