Viral Family Dog Killed During Eviction Enforcement, Raises Questions About Racism & Use of Force

A family in Newark is demanding accountability after their beloved 6-year-old mini dachshund, Bruno, known on Instagram as @brunotheweenie, was fatally shot by Essex County Sheriff’s officers during a court-ordered eviction Tuesday morning. The incident, which occurred in the city’s South Ward, has sparked widespread outrage, both online and locally, reigniting conversations about law enforcement practices during civil disputes in majority-Black communities.

According to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the Riverview Gardens apartment complex around 10:15 a.m. to enforce an eviction order issued by Newark Municipal Court. The tenant, Maya Thompson, a Newark resident and single mother of three, had been in a months-long dispute with her landlord over mold, heat outages, and unsafe living conditions.

“I told them — please, let me put Bruno in the bedroom. He’s tiny. He’s scared of loud noises,” said Thompson, holding back tears. “They didn’t listen. They came in fast. Bruno barked once, and then they shot him.”

In a statement, the sheriff’s office claimed the dog “behaved aggressively and charged,” prompting one of the deputies to fire his weapon “in self-defense.” But that version is being challenged by several eyewitnesses and a hallway video clip shared on social media, where Bruno had amassed nearly 200,000 followers for his playful videos and tiny outfits.

“Bruno was like a celebrity around here — everyone knew that little guy,” said neighbor Shawn Ellis, who filmed the moment officers entered the apartment. “He barked, like dogs do. That’s it. Then one of them raised his gun, and it was over. It was horrifying.”

The short video shows officers entering the apartment with weapons drawn. A bark is heard, followed by a single gunshot. Bruno’s pink harness can be seen near the apartment door.

“This isn’t just about a viral dog,” said Imani Clarke, a spokesperson for the Coalition. “It’s about the escalation we see far too often when Black families are involved. Even an eviction becomes a battleground.”

The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review. The department has not released the officer’s name, citing standard protocol.

Meanwhile, Thompson and her children are staying with extended family in East Orange. A GoFundMe campaign launched Tuesday night to support therapy, relocation, and legal costs has already surpassed $45,000.

“They took my home and traumatized my kids,” Thompson said. “But shooting Bruno? That was pure cruelty. He didn’t deserve to die like that.”