Utica Shooting
NY police shoot and kill 13-year-old boy in Utica
Despite immediate first aid efforts, Mway succumbed to his injuries at Wynn Hospital.
Utica, NY – A tragic incident unfolded in Utica, New York, on Friday night when a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by a police officer, leading to widespread protests and calls for justice. The boy, identified as Nyah Mway, a member of the Karen community, was shot during a confrontation with police officers who believed he was brandishing a handgun. The weapon was later identified as a replica pellet gun.
The incident began around 10:18 p.m. when officers from the Utica Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit conducted a pedestrian stop involving two juveniles on Shaw Street. According to Police Chief Mark Williams, one of the juveniles, Nyah Mway, fled the scene and allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the officers. During the ensuing struggle, an officer fired a single shot, striking Mway in the chest. Despite immediate first aid efforts, Mway succumbed to his injuries at Wynn Hospital.
The news of the shooting quickly spread, leading to an emotional and chaotic scene at a press conference held at Utica City Hall the following morning. The press conference, initially intended for the media, was opened to the public due to the large turnout. Utica Mayor Michael Galime, with the help of an interpreter, expressed condolences to Mway's family and the Karen community, emphasizing the city's commitment to transparency in the investigation.
"We called this press conference not just to explain and be completely transparent, but to offer our condolences to the family and the community for their loss," Mayor Galime stated. "Yesterday evening, while a stop like the one that occurred is routine, it became tragic in near moments. We understand and we're here to be completely transparent and explain everything about the incident to the community and the process moving forward."
The press conference was marked by emotional outbursts from the community, including Mway's grieving mother, whose anguished cries echoed through the hall. Signs held by attendees conveyed the community's frustration and sorrow, with one reading, "Our parents did not flee war for our kids to be killed by police."
Chief Williams provided a detailed account of the incident, explaining that the officers involved perceived a deadly threat when Mway brandished the replica gun, which closely resembled a real firearm. "You don't bring a TASER to a gunfight. When you, at the time, perceive deadly physical force, you have to match it," Williams said, referencing the landmark case of Graham v. Connor to justify the use of lethal force.
The Utica Police Department announced that the involved officers had been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the investigations. The New York State Attorney General's Office of Special Investigations will lead the criminal probe, as mandated by state law for officer-involved shootings. Concurrently, the Utica Police Department's Professional Standards Unit will conduct an internal investigation to assess adherence to policies and training.
The incident has sparked significant outrage and demands for accountability within the Utica community, which has a substantial Karen refugee population. Protests erupted outside City Hall, with demonstrators calling for justice and transparency. The police department acknowledged the existence of a video of the incident circulating on social media but cautioned that it does not capture the entire context.
In response to the public outcry, Mayor Galime assured that all relevant information, including body camera footage, would be released in the coming days. "We value the mission of the City of Utica Public Safety Advisory Committee and want to ensure through multiple facets that the community is fully informed of the facts of this incident," the police department stated.
As the community grapples with the tragic loss, efforts are underway to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. The incident has underscored the need for clear communication and accountability in law enforcement practices, particularly in interactions with vulnerable communities.