The family of 13-year-old Nyah Mway, who was fatally shot by police in central New York, is demanding justice and accountability. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has sparked outrage and calls for action from the community. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office is investigating the shooting, while the Utica Police Department is conducting its own probe.
Nyah Mway, born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority, was tackled and shot by officers after a foot chase. Police released body camera footage showing the teenager appearing to aim an object at them before being taken to the ground. The object was later identified as a BB gun resembling a real firearm.
Nyah’s family and community members are demanding accountability for his death. Lay Htoo, a cousin of Nyah, expressed the family’s grief and frustration, stating that they came to the United States seeking a peaceful life and better opportunities. Instead, they are now mourning the loss of a young life and questioning the actions of the police officers involved.
At a vigil held on Saturday night, Nyah’s brother, Lah, voiced his desire for the officers to be imprisoned. Other attendees questioned the official account of the shooting, with some expressing skepticism about the police narrative.
According to police, Nyah and another 13-year-old boy were stopped because they matched descriptions of suspects in an armed robbery that occurred the previous day. The body camera footage shows an officer stating the need to pat them down for weapons. During the questioning, Nyah ran away, turned, and appeared to point a black item at the officers. Officer Bryce Patterson tackled and punched Nyah, and as they wrestled on the ground, Officer Patrick Husnay fired a single shot, hitting Nyah in the chest. The teenager was taken to Wynn Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The item Nyah was holding was later determined to be a BB or pellet gun that closely resembled a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun. Police released an image showing the device lacked the orange band typically added to distinguish BB guns from real firearms. A bystander video posted on social media also showed an officer tackling and punching Nyah before the gunshot was heard.
The officers involved, Husnay, Patterson, and Officer Andrew Citriniti, have been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigations continue. Under New York law, the attorney general’s office investigates every death at the hands of law enforcement. The Utica Police Department’s probe will examine whether the officers followed policies and training.
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams described the shooting as a “tragic and traumatic incident for all involved.” However, Nyah’s cousin, Isabella Moo, criticized the police narrative, accusing them of trying to criminalize Nyah and protect the officers. She called for better training for police officers and accountability for the city.
Utica, a city with a population of 65,000, includes over 4,200 people from Myanmar. The Karen ethnic minority, to which Nyah belonged, has been involved in conflicts with Myanmar’s military rulers. Nyah’s family fled Myanmar about two decades ago, eventually immigrating to the United States through a resettlement program.
Nyah was known for his interest in math, soccer, and spending time with friends. He sometimes attended Bible study with his friends, despite his family being Buddhists. On the night of the incident, Nyah had informed his mother that he was going to a store, and that was the last time she saw him. His mother has been unable to sleep, her grief overwhelming her.
The family and community are now calling for justice and accountability. They plan to meet with Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime to discuss the incident and their concerns. The officers remain on paid administrative leave as the investigations proceed.
The tragic death of Nyah Mway has left his family and community in mourning, struggling to comprehend the loss of a young life. They continue to seek answers and justice, hoping for accountability and change in the wake of this devastating incident.
Source: CBS/AP
