Phoenix, December 5 (RHC)-- Another unarmed Black man has been killed by a white police officer in the United States, amid nationwide protests over a series of police killings of African Americans in the country. A Phoenix, Arizona police officer fatally shot 34-year-old Rumain Brisbon on Tuesday evening. He died with two bullet wounds in his torso at a north Phoenix apartment complex.

The Phoenix Police Department quickly released a detailed account of the killing, claiming the officer had been told that the victim was selling drugs outside a convenience store and that he was armed. "The officer gave the suspect several commands to get on the ground but he refused to comply, yelling profanities at the officer," said the police statement issued on Wednesday.

"Fearing Brisbon had a gun in his pocket the officer fired two rounds striking Brisbon in the torso," according to the police report. But witnesses and community activists have challenged the police account, saying the police used excessive force.