Maryland police fatally shot an armed black woman who supported anti-government views and threatened to kill officers during a standoff where her 5 years old son was wounded, on Tuesday.

The shooting of Korryn Gaines, 23, of Randallstown, Maryland, nearly 17 miles northwest of Baltimore, on Monday.  That has prompted an outrage on social media, reigniting concerns about police use of force, especially against African-Americans.

According to police, Gaines pointed a shotgun at Baltimore County officers when they arrived at her apartment to serve warrants on her and Kareem Courtney, her boyfriend, 39 years old.

Police spokeswoman Elise Armacost told reporters, "When somebody points a gun directly at an officer and threatens to shoot them, it very well may not end well. That is the situation we had in this case," .

Police said that Gaines was live-streaming video during the faceoff and followers were encouraging her not to give in peacefully.

Gaines forced charges that included disorderly conduct and resisting arrest from a March traffic stop.

Courtney, who was also black, fled with a 1 years old boy and was arrested. Gaines remained in the apartment with her son.

After a standoff of about five hours, an officer fired while Gaines pointed the gun at the officers and threatened to kill them. Then she was killed in an exchange of fire.

The wounded boy was struck in the arm and has been in good condition at a hospital. Who fired the round that hit him is not yet known.

Police did not give the race of the officers involved.

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By Prakriti Neogi