Gov. Andy Beshear says federal review of Doug Harless shooting ‘wouldn’t be harmful’

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear says he believes there is no harm in federal authorities taking another look at the 2024 shooting death of Doug Harless by London police officers in Laurel County.

Speaking during his Team Kentucky update Thursday, Beshear began by offering condolences to the Harless family.

“Well, first, my thoughts and prayers go out to that family,” Beshear said. “To lose someone and to lose someone in such a traumatic way, I know a little bit about what that feels like, losing a friend of mine.”

The governor addressed recent calls for a federal investigation into the December 2024 shooting, saying he does not see an issue with additional review.

As previously reported by ABC36 NEWS NOW, London police shot and killed Harless inside his home on Dec. 23, 2024, while executing a search warrant that may have been served at the wrong address.

Last week, a grand jury returned a no-bill after a year-long investigation by Kentucky State Police, meaning the officers involved will not face criminal charges.

“I don’t think there’s ever a harm with someone taking a second look,” Beshear said. “And so, if the FBI or the DOJ want to look at it, certainly, I believe that all the agencies involved would be willing to share.”

Beshear also noted that beyond any potential federal review, a civil case could follow.

“I also imagine there will be a civil law portion of this too,” he said. “And that typically doesn’t start until the criminal side’s out of the way.”

He closed his comments by again acknowledging the difficulty for the family.

“But again, to that family, it’s gotta be hard,” Beshear said.

The case has drawn renewed attention following calls from some elected officials for federal agencies to review the circumstances surrounding Harless’ death.