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 a civilian who died on September 4, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn.

On September 4, officers from the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (ESU) went to the Brooklyn Bridge where a man was walking or standing on one of the bridge’s main cables. Officers climbed up onto the cable and were positioned both below and above the man. The officers attempted to talk to the man, who was allegedly holding what appeared to be a knife and said to the officers, “shoot me.” The man then allegedly walked downward along the cable toward some of the officers. An ESU officer discharged his firearm, striking the man. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a Leatherman multi-tool 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.