
Utica, NY – July 8, 2024
The fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy by police in Utica,New York, continues to spark outrage and raise questions about officer use of force. Nyah Mway was shot and killed by police on June 28th after he allegedly fled a stop and pointed what turned out to be a replica handgun at officers.
Over the weekend, mourners gathered for Nyah’s funeral, and video footage released by police has reignited the debate. The body camera video shows officers confronting Nyah, who then runs. Officers yell “gun!” before one tackles Nyah to the ground. While they are wrestling, another officer opens fire.
This incident has drawn national attention, with many questioning the officer’s decision to shoot. The Utica Police Department maintains that the officers acted appropriately, but Nyah’s family and community members are demanding justice. A march is planned for next weekend to call for accountability.
This is not an isolated event. Police shootings involving young people continue to be a major concern in the United States. The Nyah Mway case is likely to be a focus of protests and calls for police reform in the coming days.
