By Trend News Line 2024-06-30 01:01:49.
Tragic Shooting of 13-Year-Old Boy by Police in Upstate New York
In a devastating turn of events, a 13-year-old boy named Nyah Mway was fatally shot by an officer in upstate New York. The incident occurred late Friday night when officers stopped Nyah and another youth for a police investigation in Utica.
According to Utica Police Chief Mark Williams, Nyah ran from the officers and brandished a replica handgun that resembled a Glock 17 Gen 5. During a struggle on the ground, one of the officers fired a single shot, hitting Nyah in the chest. Despite receiving immediate first aid from the officers, Nyah tragically passed away at Wynn Hospital.
Replica Gun Misunderstanding
Lt. Michael Curley, a police spokesperson, clarified that the replica gun carried by Nyah closely resembled a real firearm, complete with GLOCK markings, detachable magazine, and serial numbers. However, the gun only fired pellets or BBs, posing no real threat to the officers.
A bystander video captured the chaotic scene, showing Nyah being chased and tackled to the ground by an officer. The video also depicted the moment the fatal shot was fired, leading to swift reactions from the officers present. Chief Williams stressed that the video did not capture the full context of the incident.
Community Outcry and Background of Nyah Mway
The shooting has sparked outrage in Utica, a city with a significant population of refugees from Myanmar. Nyah Mway, reportedly an 8th grader at Donovan Middle School, was identified as a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority.
Karens are an ethnic group engaged in conflict with the military regime in Myanmar, which seized power in 2021 and suppressed protests for democratic rule. Nyah’s background adds a layer of complexity to the tragic event, drawing attention to the struggles faced by refugees in the community.
Investigations and Calls for Transparency
Chief Williams faced a tense news conference where he refrained from disclosing the reasons for stopping Nyah and the other youth. The city’s mayor and an interpreter struggled to maintain order as community members, including Nyah’s family, demanded answers.
While promising to release unedited body-worn camera footage, Chief Williams emphasized the need for internal and external investigations into the shooting. The state attorney general is expected to open a case to determine the justification behind the officer’s actions.
As the community grapples with the loss of Nyah Mway, Chief Williams expressed his condolences to the family, acknowledging the tragic and traumatic nature of the incident. The aftermath of the shooting has left a deep impact on Utica and raised important questions about police conduct and handling of replica firearms.
For more updates, follow Philip Marcelo on Twitter at twitter.com/philmarcelo.
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– Police fatally shoot teen carrying replica handgun
– Upstate New York authorities fatal shooting teen carrying replica handgun.