A 13-year-old boy, identified as Nyah Mway, was shot and killed by a police officer in Utica, New York, during a struggle after allegedly brandishing a pellet gun. The incident occurred on Friday night around 10:20 p.m. when police stopped Mway and another minor while they were walking down the street.
Video footage circulating on social media shows three officers chasing the boy down a dark street, with one officer tackling him to the ground. As the other two officers join the fray, bystanders can be heard shouting warnings about being recorded. Suddenly, a gunshot is heard, prompting shocked witnesses to exclaim that the boy had been shot.
Community members expressed their outrage and demanded justice during an emotional press conference held on Saturday. The press conference, initially intended for media members only, was opened to the public due to the large crowd that had gathered outside city hall, including 50 of Mway’s family members.
Mway’s mother, who was present at the press conference, broke down and screamed as officials’ remarks were translated into her native Burmese. Utica Police Chief Mark Williams acknowledged the charged atmosphere, stating that shouting over them made it difficult to be transparent.
According to Chief Williams, Mway, who was of Asian descent, displayed what appeared to be a handgun while fleeing from the police. The officers tackled the teenager to the ground and fired one shot during the ensuing struggle. Mway was struck in the chest and later succumbed to his injuries at Wynn Hospital in Utica. Police recovered a replica Glock pellet gun with a detachable magazine at the scene.
Utica Mayor Michael Galime described the incident as a routine police stop that tragically escalated within moments. He expressed condolences to the families, community, and surrounding areas affected by the event. Galime also assured Mway’s mother that body camera footage would be released.
Following the press conference, a man in the crowd called for the officers to be charged with first-degree murder, while another person highlighted the community’s history of fleeing persecution from the Burmese army. Utica has a significant Burmese population.
The shooting will be investigated by the Attorney General’s office and internally by the Utica Police Department. Chief Williams emphasized the tragic and traumatic nature of the incident for all involved. The three officers involved have been placed on paid leave, and their names will be disclosed shortly.
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This is such a tragic incident. I can't help but wonder about the use of force by police officers, especially when it involves minors. What are your thoughts on the appropriate use of force in situations like these? Do you believe there should be stricter guidelines or protocols in place to prevent such incidents from happening?