The Iowa Attorney General’s Office announced on Mar. 9 that Marion Police Officer Spenser Hartman was legally justified in the fatal shooting of Saber Jonathan Bernard on February 4, 2026.
The report addresses a case involving law enforcement use of deadly force, which is subject to public scrutiny and legal review. The Attorney General’s independent authority under Iowa Code section 13.12 allows for investigation or prosecution of law enforcement conduct resulting in death.
According to the report, Officer Hartman responded to a call from Bernard, who initially said there was no emergency but wanted to speak with an officer. At the scene, Hartman encountered Bernard and a neighbor discussing religious topics. Bernard appeared reluctant to engage with officers and questioned why Hartman worked “for evil.”
Officer Alex Greene arrived as backup and was asked by Hartman to monitor Bernard’s hands, as one remained in his pocket. After several minutes, Bernard produced a machete-style weapon and gestured toward both officers. Despite repeated commands—fifteen times—to drop the weapon, Bernard refused. Officer Greene deployed a Taser without significant effect before Bernard charged at Hartman while shouting religious statements. As Hartman retreated, he fired one shot when Bernard closed the distance; Bernard dropped the machete after being struck and later died at a local hospital despite lifesaving efforts by officers.
The recovered machete measured approximately 24 inches from hilt to tip with both smooth and serrated edges. The report notes that Bernard had been on probation for car burglaries at the time of his death and had previously seen a mental health counselor but was not taking prescription medication.
The Attorney General’s Office concluded that Officer Hartman acted within legal justification given the circumstances: “When Bernard pulled a two-foot machete from under his clothes, he made it clear that he had called officers there to do harm to them.” The report further states that non-lethal measures were attempted before lethal force was used.
