Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Nathan Novakowski

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released footage from a body-worn camera (BWC) that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Nathan Novakowski, who died on September 28, 2025 following an encounter with members of the New York State Police (NYSP) and Chemung County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in Chemung County.

Shortly before 3 p.m. on September 28, NYSP troopers and a CCSO deputy responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute. Upon arrival at the house, officers encountered Mr. Novakowski allegedly threatening a woman with a pair of scissors. A trooper directed Mr. Novakowski to drop the scissors, but Mr. Novakowski failed to comply. The trooper discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Novakowski. Mr. Novakowski was pronounced dead at the scene and the woman was treated for minor injuries. Officers recovered a pair of scissors.

The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released footage from a BWC that a trooper was equipped with during the incident. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

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.

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime. 

Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing.