New York State Troopers shot and killed 45-year-old Amir Hamza after he allegedly pointed a black, pistol-style object at an officer outside a camper at the Whip-O-Will Campground in Cairo on Sept. 14. Troopers had been responding to a 911 call about a possible domestic disturbance and were directed to the camper by a person with an apparent head injury. First responders used CPR and an AED but Hamza was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary review found the object to be a BB-style pistol; the state Attorney General's Office and Troop F investigators are probing the shooting.
State Troopers Fatally Shoot Man Holding BB-Style Pistol at Cairo Campground
The Whip-O-Will Campground in New York.Credit: Google Maps
New York State Troopers shot and killed 45-year-old Amir Hamza during a response to a reported domestic disturbance at the Whip-O-Will Campground in Cairo, N.Y., on Monday, Sept. 14.
Troopers were dispatched at 8:22 p.m. after a 911 call in which a possible ongoing domestic incident could be heard in the background, according to a New York State Police media release. On arrival, officers located an individual with an apparent head injury who told them he had been assaulted and directed them to a nearby camper.
Police say that as troopers announced their presence and attempted to enter the camper, Hamza exited, advanced toward a trooper and extended his right arm while pointing a black, pistol-style object directly at the officer. An officer then discharged his duty weapon, fatally striking Hamza.
First responders immediately performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) until emergency medical personnel arrived and assumed lifesaving measures; Hamza was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary Findings and Investigation
A preliminary investigation determined the object Hamza was holding was a black pistol-style BB gun, not a firearm. The names of the troopers involved have not been released, and officials have not disclosed further details about the altercation that preceded the shooting.
The New York State Attorney General's Office and the New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation are conducting a joint probe into the incident.
Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the New York State Police SP Catskill Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300. Updates will be released as investigators review evidence, witness statements and body-worn camera footage where available.
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