Protests have broken out in the U.S. city of Columbus, Ohio, after a police officer fatally shot a Black teenage girl. Photo: WSYX)

Columbus, April 21 (RHC)-- Protests have broken out in the U.S. city of Columbus, Ohio, after a police officer fatally shot a Black teenage girl.

Sixteen-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was reportedly in an altercation with two people, and police claimed they thought she was going to stab someone before an officer shot her dead.   The unnamed officer has been put on leave. 

She was killed shortly before Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd.  

Ma’Khia Bryant had been staying at a foster home.  Her mother Paula Bryant spoke to a local news channel about the last time she saw her daughter.  Paula Bryant: “We hugged each other.  She said: 'Mommy, I made honor roll.'  And she said: 'Mommy, I'm looking forward to coming home.’ … Ma’Khia had a motherly nature about her.  She promoted peace. And that’s something that I want to always be remembered.”