A 13-year-old Myanmar refugee, Nyah Mway, was fatally shot by Utica police after allegedly pointing a replica handgun at officers, sparking grief and outrage within the local Karen community and prompting multiple investigations.

The incident has led to multiple investigations by the Utica Police Department and the New York State Attorney General's Office, raising questions about police conduct and use of force. Body camera footage shows conflicting accounts, with one video depicting Mway allegedly pointing a gun and another showing an officer tackling and punching him before the fatal shot. The Karen community, to which Mway's family belongs, is mourning his loss and demanding accountability amid increasing fear and anxiety towards law enforcement. Protests and vigils have been held, calling for transparency and justice as the involved officers remain on paid administrative leave.

The tragic event unfolded when 13-year-old Nyah Mway, a refugee from Myanmar, was fatally shot by Utica police officers. According to authorities, Mway pointed a replica Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun at the officers before being shot. Body camera footage released by the police department shows Mway running and allegedly pointing the gun at officers moments before the incident occurred.

Further complicating the situation, another video captured by a bystander, which was posted on social media, shows an officer tackling Mway to the ground and punching him before a gunshot is heard. This footage has fueled skepticism within the community and among Mway's family regarding the police's version of events.

Nyah Mway's family, who are part of the Karen ethnic minority, relocated to Utica to escape the violence in Myanmar. The shooting has deeply affected them, and they have publicly expressed their doubts about the police accounts. Mway's mother, Chee War, and his siblings are particularly devastated by his loss. Family attorneys Earl Ward and Julia Kuan are seeking accountability from the involved officers.

The officers involved in the incident—Patrick Husnay, Bryce Patterson, and Andrew Citriniti—have been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcomes of multiple investigations. Utica Police Department and the New York State Attorney General's Office of Special Investigations are both conducting thorough inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The Utica police, represented by Chief Mark Williams, have stressed the rapidly developing nature of the incident, emphasizing that officers often have to make split-second decisions in chaotic situations. Chief Williams also noted that body camera footage indicates Mway was still holding the replica handgun when he was tackled to the ground.

Nyah Mway was described by his family as a caring and protective individual who had a close relationship with his siblings. He had recently graduated from the eighth grade and was looking forward to starting high school. His sudden death has left a void in his family's life and has sparked a strong emotional response from the local Karen community.

In response to Mway's death, the Karen community in Utica, which numbers around 8,000 people, has been gripped by grief, outrage, and rising anxiety towards police. The community has organized multiple protests and vigils, demanding transparency and justice. Demonstrators have convened to honor Mway's memory and seek clarity on the events that led to his death.

The broader Karen community in Utica has expressed fear and uncertainty following the incident. According to community leaders, the shooting has intensified existing anxieties about their safety and interactions with law enforcement. Many community members are now calling for systemic changes to police practices and greater accountability.

As the investigations proceed, Mway's family and supporters continue to call for the release of all relevant evidence and for justice to be served. They urge the authorities to conduct a thorough and unbiased review of the events, hoping that it will provide answers and closure for the grieving family and community.

The death of Nyah Mway has reignited discussions surrounding police use of force, especially in interactions involving youth and minority communities. Advocacy groups and community organizations are pressing for comprehensive reviews of police protocols and advocating for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

While the investigations by the Utica Police Department and the New York State Attorney General's Office are ongoing, the community remains united in its demand for accountability and change. As they await the findings, the focus remains on supporting Mway's family and ensuring that their calls for justice are heard.