New York Police have released body camera footage showing the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Nyah Mway by an officer in Utica. The incident occurred on Friday night when police were conducting a pedestrian stop involving two youths. Nyah, who was later identified, fled from the officers and allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun at them during the chase. The object was later determined to be a pellet gun resembling a GLOCK 17.
The footage, published on the Utica Police Department’s YouTube channel, shows the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. The officers involved were identified as Patrick Husnay, Bryce Patterson, and Andrew Citriniti. Husnay, a six-year veteran, fired the fatal shot. All three officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
The incident has sparked outrage and demands for justice within Utica’s Karen immigrant community, a Southeast Asian ethnic minority. Hundreds attended a candlelight vigil for Nyah, expressing their grief and calling for accountability. The Karen community, many of whom fled military and police violence in their home country, feel particularly betrayed by the incident.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation has launched a probe into Nyah’s death, as mandated by state law for officer-involved shootings. The Utica Police Department is also conducting an internal investigation to determine if proper procedures were followed. The department has pledged transparency throughout the process.
The body camera footage shows the officers approaching Nyah and another juvenile, who was on a bicycle. Patterson informed the teens they were being stopped because one was riding a bike in the road while Nyah was walking nearby. When officers asked to pat him down, Nyah fled, leading to a chase. During the pursuit, Nyah appeared to point a gun at the officers, prompting Husnay to fire a single shot.
Nyah was taken to Wynn Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The police recovered a replica GLOCK 17 pellet gun from the scene. The footage also shows the chaotic moments following the shooting, with officers providing immediate first aid and bystanders expressing their distress.
The Karen community in Utica, which includes many refugees from Myanmar, has been vocal in their demands for justice. They argue that the police narrative does not align with witness accounts and the video evidence. Community leaders and Buddhist monks have held vigils and prayers, emphasizing the need for accountability.
During a tense press conference, Utica Mayor Michael Galime and Police Chief Mark Williams faced an emotional crowd, including Nyah’s family. The conference was cut short due to the intensity of the reactions. The police department has committed to releasing more information and footage as the investigation progresses.
The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by the Karen community in Utica, who have sought refuge in the U.S. to escape violence in their home country. The community’s grief and anger are compounded by their historical experiences with military and police brutality.
As the investigations by the state attorney general and the Utica Police Department continue, the community remains vigilant in their call for justice. The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of police conduct and the treatment of minority communities in the U.S.
Source: USA TODAY, Associated Press
