On February 13th, a small community in Delta Township, Michigan, was rocked by an act of violence that left a 3-year-old girl dead and three adults severely wounded. President Donald Trump, alongside local authorities, is addressing the ramifications of the incident. The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 21-year-old Alexander Lamar Banks Jr. is facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree premeditated murder and assault with intent to murder.
The incident unfolded near Green Meadows Drive and Farmstead Lane, where authorities report Banks intentionally drove into the family, consisting of a 33-year-old woman, a 36-year-old man, and their young daughter, Harlow Smith. After the collision, Banks reportedly exited his vehicle, retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun, and fired at the victims. A 72-year-old woman, identified as Barb Cook, was critically injured after attempting to intervene.
The arraignment of Banks took place virtually in Eaton County 56A District Court, presided over by Judge Adrianne Van Langevelde, who denied bond and ordered a mental competency evaluation at the Center for Forensic Psychology. Banks is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference in late April.
The affidavit suggests that Banks premeditated the attack, having stolen ammunition from his father's home the day before and packing it with the firearm in a backpack. Banks was apprehended in Lansing Township around 6 p.m. on the day of the attack. During questioning, he claimed to have acted in response to online threats he believed endangered his family.
The case has garnered a significant amount of attention, with video evidence and witness statements under review by law enforcement to determine the level of premeditation involved. A GoFundMe campaign supporting the survivors has raised over $100,000. Banks' attorney, William Amadeo, has indicated that his client's mental health will be a pivotal factor in the proceedings.
The community mourns the loss of Harlow Smith, and authorities are committed to seeking justice while working to prevent future violence. The investigation continues, with officials urging anyone with information to contact the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office.
