Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Buffalo

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Edward Holmes, who died on February 24, 2024 following an encounter with members of the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) in Buffalo. 

At approximately 9:59 a.m. on February 24, BPD received a 911 call reporting a man in camouflage clothing holding a shotgun on Reed Street in Buffalo. When BPD officers arrived at the scene, they encountered Mr. Holmes and directed him to drop the gun. Mr. Holmes then allegedly fired the shotgun, and officers again commanded him to drop his weapon. Mr. Holmes allegedly did not comply, and two BPD officers fired their service weapons multiple times in response. Mr. Holmes was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a 12-gauge shotgun at the scene. 

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.   

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.