A Community in Shock: Body Camera Video Released in Fatal Homestead Police Shooting
HOMESTEAD, FL — The quiet of a Homestead neighborhood was shattered on a warm spring afternoon when a confrontation between police officers and a troubled man turned deadly. Now, more than a year later, newly released body camera footage is providing chilling insight into what happened — and stirring renewed debate over police use of force and the treatment of individuals with mental health challenges.
The Moment Captured
In the footage, 34-year-old Leandro Chong is seen pacing outside the Villas of Sunrise apartment complex on Sunrise Boulevard. He appears agitated, holding what appears to be a firearm. Officers approach with caution, shouting clear commands:
“Drop the weapon!”
Chong doesn’t comply. Within seconds, multiple officers open fire. He collapses. From behind the camera, a woman can be heard screaming in horror:
“Why did you kill him?”
It’s a question that now echoes beyond that street corner — into courtrooms, city council meetings, and family living rooms across South Florida.
A Complicated Backstory
Leandro Chong wasn’t a stranger to police. Earlier that very same day, he had reportedly been in court, where he was ordered to undergo mental health treatment. But the system failed to act quickly — and by the afternoon, he was back home and spiraling.
According to residents, Chong was seen muttering to himself, pacing his doorway, and acting erratically. He had been detained peacefully earlier in the day, but no charges were filed. Several hours later, calls started pouring into 911 again.
This time, officers returned with reinforcements, including a SWAT team. Reports say Chong began throwing rocks at officers before the fatal confrontation unfolded.
Was It a Real Gun?
No. According to the State Attorney’s Office, the weapon Chong held was a BB gun — designed to look like a real handgun but incapable of lethal force. But in those tense moments, officers couldn’t tell the difference.
The State Attorney’s close-out memo found the officers’ actions legally justified under Florida law. The four officers involved were cleared of any wrongdoing.
Still, the presence of that fake gun — and the ultimate loss of life — has left a community searching for answers.
A System That Failed Twice
Advocates for mental health reform say this tragedy reflects a systemic failure. Chong had been ordered into treatment. But no one acted fast enough to get him the help he clearly needed.
“He didn’t need to die,” said one resident who knew Chong. “He needed a therapist, not a bullet.”
The Homestead Police Department has since faced public pressure to review its crisis intervention protocols. Some are calling for the addition of mental health professionals to accompany officers responding to emotionally disturbed persons.
A Neighborhood Still Grieving
The Villas of Sunrise is a working-class community, filled with families, retirees, and people just trying to get by. After the shooting, neighbors set up a small memorial for Chong, lighting candles and leaving handwritten notes.
“He wasn’t dangerous. He was scared. And we were too,” said Maria Alvarez, who lives in a neighboring unit. “We need to stop answering fear with violence.”
What’s Next?
As the footage makes its rounds on social media, calls for transparency, accountability, and mental health reform grow louder. City leaders have promised a review, but for many, it’s too little, too late.
For now, one thing is certain: a man is dead, and a community is left with scars that won’t fade quickly.

Pulkeet Gupta is a dedicated content writer specializing in the field of education and entertainment niche. With a passion for learning and a keen interest in sharing knowledge, Pulkeet has established himself as a prominent figure in the education and entertainment writing community.