A 13-year-old Karen refugee was fatally shot by Utica police after a foot chase, sparking outrage within the community; officers mistook his replica gun for a real firearm.

The shooting of Nyah Mway, a young refugee from Myanmar's Karen minority, has ignited protests and calls for justice in Utica. Mway was killed after fleeing from officers who initially stopped him as a suspected robber. The police claim he pointed a replica gun that closely resembled a Glock 17, prompting the fatal response. The New York Attorney General's office and the Utica Police Department are both investigating the incident, while the community grapples with the implications of the shooting and what it reveals about the broader struggles faced by the city's significant refugee population.

Nyah Mway, a 13-year-old refugee from Myanmar's Karen ethnic minority, was stopped by Utica police along with another teen. This was in response to a description of suspects involved in recent robberies. During the interaction, Mway fled the scene, initiating a foot chase with the officers. He was fatally shot during the chase after appearing to point a replica gun at the officers.

The chase culminated in a confrontation where Mway appeared to point a replica gun at the officers. The replica closely resembled a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun, which likely led the officers to believe it was a real firearm. Officer Patrick Husnay, one of the three officers involved in the incident, then fired the shot that killed Mway. The other officers at the scene were identified as Bryce Patterson and Andrew Citriniti.

Following the shooting, the officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave as per standard protocol. In addition to the internal investigation by the Utica Police Department, the New York Attorney General’s office has launched an independent investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident and whether the officers followed proper procedures.

The release of body camera footage and bystander video provided crucial insights into the sequence of events that led to Nyah Mway’s death. These videos have been widely circulated on social media, further fueling outrage within the community and demands for justice and transparency.

The Karen immigrant community in Utica, which includes over 4,200 individuals from Myanmar, has been particularly affected by this incident. Protests have been organized, with community members demanding accountability and justice for the young boy's death. The incident has also brought attention to the broader issues and challenges faced by the refugee population in Utica.

Nyah Mway's family expressed profound grief and questioned the necessity of the fatal response to a teenager carrying a toy gun. They, along with community activists, are seeking answers and advocating for changes to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Concerns have also been raised about the police’s methods and the policies regarding engagement with minors and individuals from immigrant communities.

Utica Police Chief Mark Williams stated that the department is fully cooperating with the Attorney General’s investigation and reassured the public that a thorough review is being conducted. He emphasized the importance of community trust in law enforcement and committed to transparency throughout the investigative process.

The broader Utica community, including various local and national advocacy groups, has rallied in solidarity with the Karen community. Vigils, protests, and public forums have been organized to honor Nyah Mway and to discuss steps towards ensuring greater safety and justice for all residents, particularly immigrants and refugees.

As investigations continue, public attention remains focused on the findings and any subsequent actions taken by both the Utica Police Department and the Attorney General’s office. The case is being closely monitored by civil rights organizations, government officials, and community leaders to ensure a fair and transparent process.

The tragic death of Nyah Mway underscores the complex interplay of refugee struggles, policing practices, and community relations in Utica. It highlights the urgent need for ongoing dialogue, policy evaluation, and community engagement to address the underlying issues and to work toward preventing similar future tragedies.