Carmel officials are offering mental health support in the wake of shooting incident.

The tragic shooting death of a young man in Carmel experiencing a mental health incident on Friday, Oct. 25 had a big impact on residents and workers of the small village, especially in the immediate neighborhood.

Up the block at The Carmel Foundation, people attending a class and employees gathered around coffee, muffins and bagels as they sheltered-in-place, until they heard gunshots, at which point everyone hunkered down in a windowless room, Kim Stemler, the foundation's president and CEO told the Weekly immediately after the incident.

"We are all fine, and we felt very taken care of," Stemler said.

On Oct. 31, Carmel officials announced they are offering mental health support to residents and workers who were impacted by the incident through in-person sessions facilitated by professionals from the Monterey County Behavioral Health Department.

The Carmel Foundation is hosting a crisis management briefing for anyone present during the lockdown, including foundation residents, neighbors and members who sheltered there. That takes place 9-11am, Tuesday, Nov. 5.

A community-wide "crisis management briefing," open to all who were affected, is being offered from 3:30-5pm on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in the Chapman Room inside the Sunset Center, located at San Carlos Street and 9th Avenue, Carmel.

City officials also announced that they are working with the American Red Cross to arrange for individual support. Those who need one-on-one support may contact Gilda Soule at The Carmel Foundation at 620-8708 or gsoule@carmelfoundation.org. 

"Please know that city staff (including all first responders), The Carmel Foundation staff and the Golden Bough staff are receiving the resources they need to help them heal," Assistant City Administrator Brandon Swanson wrote in the announcement.

The shooting took place near the Golden Bough and Carmel Foundation on Oct. 25 as 27-year-old James Marshall was experiencing a mental health crisis. He was walking in the neighborhood carrying what appeared to be an AK-style rifle. His mother had told police that he had threatened suicide by cop and warned them he had a firearm. 

Officers first used non-lethal options in an attempt to subdue Marshall, but he refused to disarm himself. Two officers fired on Marshall, who died of his injuries at a hospital. It was later discovered that he was in fact carrying a BB gun that appeared to be a high-powered rifle. 

"The events of last Friday are absolutely heartbreaking and shocking for our village," Mayor Dave Potter said in a written message on Wednesday, Oct. 30. "Currently, the District Attorney is investigating the situation, and we look forward to receiving a full and thorough report of the facts. Please have patience as we allow the District Attorney’s office to complete their work."