By Trend News Line 2024-06-30 23:15:02.
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community of Utica, New York, authorities released body camera footage showing a police officer fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy after he allegedly aimed a pellet gun during a foot chase on Friday night. The incident, which unfolded at around 10:18 p.m., has sparked outrage and demands for justice in Utica’s Karen immigrant community.
### The Incident
The Utica police officers were conducting a pedestrian stop of two people in a residential area when the 13-year-old boy, identified as Nyah Mway, fled from police and displayed what appeared to be a handgun during the chase. One of the officers fired one shot, injuring Nyah, who later succumbed to his injuries at Wynn Hospital. It was later determined that the object Nyah was carrying was a replica GLOCK 17 pellet gun.
### Body Camera Footage
The Utica Police Department released body camera footage on their YouTube channel, showing the events leading up to the fatal shooting. The footage displayed the officers approaching Nyah and another juvenile, who was on a bicycle. Nyah, initially with his hands up, ran away after officers asked to pat him down for weapons. The chase ensued, with one officer shooting Nyah when he was down on the ground.
### Outpouring of Outrage
The fatal shooting of Nyah has led to an outpouring of outrage and demands for justice in Utica’s Karen immigrant community, an ethnic minority from Southeast Asia. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil in memory of Nyah on Saturday night, highlighting the deep impact the incident has had on the community.
### Calls for Investigation
The three Utica police officers involved in the incident have been identified and placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation has launched a probe into the death of Nyah, as mandated by New York State Executive Law 70-b in officer-involved shootings. The Utica Police Department is also conducting an internal investigation to determine if policies, procedures, and training were followed.
### Karen Community’s Demand for Justice
Members of Utica’s Karen community feel betrayed and are demanding justice for Nyah. The Karen people are a large and dispersed ethnic group from Southeast Asia, with origins traced back to the Gobi Desert, Mongolia, or Tibet. Many of them settled in Utica as refugees seeking safety from persecution in their home country.
### Who are the Karen People?
The Karen people have a rich history of resistance and resilience, having been recruited by the British during colonization and later becoming loyal guerrilla fighters during World War II. They hoped to form their own nation but were absorbed into the new Union of Burma, leading to decades of conflict and displacement. Many Karen refugees resettled in various countries, including the United States, where they have formed vibrant communities like the one in Utica.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Nyah Mway has not only sparked outrage and demands for justice but has also shed light on the struggles and resilience of the Karen community in Utica. As investigations continue, the community remains united in their call for accountability and justice for Nyah..
Utica police release body camera footage of Nyah Mway shooting
Utica police release body camera footage of Nyah Mway shooting.