what was kelsey fitzsimmons charged with

Kelsey Fitzsimmons, a former North Andover, Massachusetts police officer, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (also described as assault by means of a dangerous weapon).

Quick Scoop: What was she charged with?

• She faces a single felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon.

• Prosecutors allege she pointed a handgun at a fellow officer who was in her home to serve a restraining order in June 2025.

• The officer then shot her once in the chest; she survived but was seriously injured.

• She has pleaded not guilty , maintaining she pointed the gun only at herself during a mental health crisis, not at the officer.

What the prosecution says

• Prosecutors claim Fitzsimmons grabbed her service weapon, raised it toward the officer, and pulled the trigger, but no round was chambered.

• They characterize the act as an attempted shooting of a colleague performing his duty in serving the restraining order.

• The charge carries potential prison time (up to several years under Massachusetts law for this felony-level assault).

What the defense says

• The defense argues this was a suicide attempt in the midst of postpartum mental health struggles, not an attack on police.

• Fitzsimmons has testified that she never pointed the gun at anyone other than herself, placing it at her temple before she was shot.

• Her lawyers say prior allegations about violent behavior and relationship issues are being used to “smear” her and do not change that she did not assault the officer.

Status as of now

• The case is being tried in a bench trial (no jury); a judge alone will decide whether she is guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon.

• Testimony from the officer who shot her, her former fiancé, and Fitzsimmons herself has been central to the ongoing proceedings.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public news reports and trial coverage available on the internet and portrayed here.