The fatal shooting of 13-year-old Nyah Mway by Utica police during a robbery investigation has sparked community outrage and an independent probe by New York's Attorney General, with many questioning the officers' use of force.

Nyah Mway, a Karen ethnic minority member from Myanmar, was shot by police while holding a replica Glock 17 pellet gun during an armed robbery investigation. Video footage released by officials shows the teen being tackled and punched before being shot while on the ground. The incident has led to significant community backlash, accusations of racial profiling, and numerous protests. Both the New York Attorney General's office and the Utica Police Department are conducting investigations to determine the appropriateness of the officers' actions, while the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.

The tragic event unfolded when officers on patrol in Utica identified Nyah Mway and another juvenile as matching descriptions of suspects involved in a recent robbery. The discovery led to a police stop aimed at questioning the teens, a routine procedure in ongoing investigations.

Upon the stop, Nyah reportedly fled, and officers pursued him, leading to a confrontation during which Nyah allegedly pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the officers. It was later identified as a realistic-looking replica Glock 17 pellet gun, but the officers at the scene reacted swiftly due to the perceived threat. According to police reports and body camera footage, Nyah was subsequently tackled to the ground and struck by an officer before being shot while on the ground.

The incident has left Nyah's family and the Karen community seeking answers and justice. Originally from Myanmar, the Mway family settled in Utica eight years ago after fleeing violence and civil unrest and spending time in a refugee camp in Thailand. Nyah's death has compounded their sense of loss and trauma, amplifying calls for accountability and transparency.

Community members have voiced their concerns over the actions taken by the police, with allegations of racial profiling and excessive use of force featuring prominently in public statements and protests. The release of police body camera footage and bystander videos has intensified scrutiny of the officers' conduct during the incident.

In a show of solidarity and remembrance, a vigil was held on June 29, 2024, to honor Nyah's life. The vigil saw significant attendance from the community, indicating widespread support for the Mway family and a collective demand for answers and reform. Participants at the vigil expressed their grief and dismay over the loss of a young life under such circumstances.

The incident also prompted a series of protests at Utica City Hall, drawing over 100 demonstrators at each event. The protesters have consistently called for justice and systemic changes within the police department, and their persistence indicates a community unified in its demand for greater accountability.

In response to the incident, New York State Attorney General Letitia James' office has launched an independent investigation into the shooting. The probe aims to provide an unbiased review of the actions leading up to and during the shooting, assessing whether the officers' use of force was justified.

Simultaneously, the Utica Police Department is conducting its internal investigation to ascertain if the policies, procedures, and training were adhered to in this situation. The goal is to determine if departmental protocols were correctly followed and whether any deviations contributed to the tragic outcome.

The three officers directly involved in the incident have been placed on routine paid administrative leave as these investigations proceed. This move is standard protocol in cases involving the use of lethal force, ensuring that the officers are not active duty while the circumstances are thoroughly reviewed.

As investigations continue, measures are being discussed to prevent such incidents in the future. The tragic death of Nyah Mway has highlighted issues concerning police interactions with youth and minority communities. Any findings from these investigations will contribute to ongoing conversations about law enforcement policies and practices.