Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Brooklyn

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Lamin Simmons, who died on June 19, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn.

At 5:45 a.m. on June 19, NYPD officers went to a building at 190 Kosciuszko Street in Brooklyn in response to a 911 call. Upon arrival, officers heard multiple gunshots from inside the building. Officers opened the front door of the building and saw Mr. Simmons allegedly holding a gun; the officers retreated.

At 8:52 a.m., officers from the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (ESU) entered the front door of the building and saw Mr. Simmons allegedly holding a gun. The officers directed Mr. Simmons to drop the weapon, but he did not comply and allegedly fired the weapon. Multiple officers discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Simmons. Mr. Simmons was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. One NYPD ESU Detective was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery and now is in stable condition. Officers recovered two firearms 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.