Attorney General Review Continues After Fatal Gaithersburg Police Shooting

Maryland’s Independent Investigations Division is continuing its review of a fatal police shooting at a Gaithersburg bus stop, while city officials say the active case limits additional investigative disclosures.

The shooting occurred July 12, 2026, at approximately 6:45 p.m. in the 9600 block of Lost Knife Road. The Maryland Attorney General’s IID is the lead investigative authority, not the Gaithersburg Police Department.

What officials say happened

Preliminary information released by Gaithersburg, Montgomery County and state officials says officers responded to a weapons complaint about a man loading a gun at a bus stop. Officers from the Montgomery County Police Department and Gaithersburg Police Department encountered an adult male with what appeared to be a handgun.

According to the preliminary account, officers spoke with the man for several minutes and attempted to de-escalate the situation. Officials say the man then raised the handgun in the direction of an officer, after which officers from both agencies fired their service weapons.

Officers provided medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and a handgun was recovered nearby. Officials reported no other injuries.

Man identified as Rockville resident

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office identified the deceased man as 46-year-old Elliott Powers of Rockville.

Six officers were involved in the shooting: three from the Montgomery County Police Department and three from the Gaithersburg Police Department.

Investigation remains unresolved

The description of the shooting is preliminary and does not represent a final finding. The sequence of events, the officers’ actions and the conversation before the shooting remain subject to the IID’s investigation.

The IID delayed its release of preliminary information on July 13, saying investigators needed additional time to review information. The Attorney General’s Office released preliminary details on July 14.

Gaithersburg’s critical-investigation page says the circumstances remain under active investigation. It also says that, because the IID is the lead investigative authority, the police department cannot release additional investigative details at this time.

What happens next

The IID says it generally releases body-worn-camera footage within 20 business days of an incident, but that period may be extended. The state cites possible additional witness interviews, technical work to protect civilian identities and allowing family members to view the footage before public release.

The general policy does not establish a guaranteed release date for this case. The official materials reviewed for this report also do not announce a final investigative finding, charging decision or prosecutorial conclusion.

Witnesses, or anyone with cellphone or private surveillance video, can contact the IID at 410-576-7070 or IID@oag.maryland.gov. Further details will depend on the state investigation and future official releases.

Sources

• Maryland Attorney General: IID Investigating Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Montgomery County
• Gaithersburg Police Department: Preliminary Information About the Officer-Involved Shooting on Lost Knife Road
• FOX 5 DC: Maryland AG Investigates Fatal Police Shooting of Rockville Man in Gaithersburg