Utica, New York – A 13-year-old boy was tragically shot and killed by police after pointing what turned out to be a BB gun at officers during a foot chase. The incident, which occurred on a residential street in Utica, a city in upstate New York, has sparked public outcry and raised questions about police use of force. Body camera footage of the shooting was released by Utica officials, leading to a contentious public meeting attended by the teen’s family and members of their refugee community.
The victim, Nyah Mway, was a Karen refugee born in Myanmar who had recently graduated from middle school and was preparing to start high school. His family and community have demanded accountability for what they view as an unjust killing, especially since Mway was already subdued and on the ground when he was shot. The family is awaiting the release of the autopsy report to proceed with funeral arrangements.
The three officers involved in the shooting have been identified and placed on paid administrative leave, as per protocol in such incidents. The body camera footage shows a chaotic scene where one officer fired a single shot into Mway’s chest after he appeared to brandish a BB gun resembling a real handgun. Bystanders can be heard reacting to the unfolding events, with some shouting at the police during the altercation.
Officials have stated that the officers stopped the teens because they matched the description of suspects in recent robberies in the area. The incident has raised concerns within the Karen community, an ethnic minority from Myanmar, who have faced violence and conflict in their home country. Utica, home to a significant population of refugees from Myanmar, has become a hub for resettlement efforts in recent years.
The state attorney general’s office is conducting a review to determine if the police department’s use of force was justified, while the police department is conducting its own internal investigation. The outcome of these investigations will shed light on whether the officers followed proper procedures, policies, and training during the encounter. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, questions about police accountability and racial bias remain at the forefront of the discussion.