Anthony Anderson, a 40-year-old East Bay musician, was fatally shot by deputies from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in the early hours of Monday, February 9, 2026. The incident occurred on the 1600 block of Selborne Drive in the Fairmont Terrace neighborhood of San Leandro, a residential area near the border with Hayward. Deputies responded to a 911 call from a man who claimed to be armed and expressed intentions to harm others, requesting to speak with law enforcement.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered Anderson walking toward them. According to the Sheriff’s Office, he matched the description of the caller and was believed to be in possession of a firearm. However, the California Attorney General’s Office later confirmed that Anderson was unarmed at the time of the shooting. Deputies opened fire during the encounter, and Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The California Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the shooting, as required by state law when law enforcement fatally wounds an unarmed civilian. The Attorney General’s Office is reviewing body camera footage and other evidence to determine whether the deputies’ use of force was justified. The Sheriff’s Office has not released the names of the deputies involved, and no further details have been provided about the number of shots fired or the specific circumstances that led to the shooting.
Anderson’s family, including his mother Kristina Anderson, has spoken publicly about his struggles with depression and his efforts to seek help. She described her son as someone who was reaching out in a moment of crisis, not posing a threat. The family is demanding transparency and accountability, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the events that led to his death.
The shooting has sparked outrage and concern within the Fairmont Terrace community and beyond. Local activists and civil rights groups have organized vigils and protests, urging reforms in how law enforcement responds to mental health crises. They argue that Anderson’s death underscores the need for trained crisis intervention teams and non-lethal response options when dealing with individuals in distress.
As the investigation unfolds, the community continues to mourn the loss of a man remembered for his musical talent and kind spirit. Friends and neighbors have shared tributes, recalling Anderson’s contributions to the local music scene and his efforts to uplift others through his art. His death has become a rallying point for those advocating for systemic change in policing and mental health response protocols.
