New York Attorney General Letitia James has released police body-worn camera footage obtained as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Courtney Gordon. Gordon died on December 3, 2023, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Queens.
On the morning of December 3, NYPD officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault in progress at Beach 22nd Street in Far Rockaway. Upon arrival, officers encountered Mr. Gordon outside the residence and attempted to speak with him. Mr. Gordon, who was holding a knife, charged at the two NYPD officers and injured them. An officer discharged his weapon in response, striking Mr. Gordon. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a knife at the scene.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released videos from body-worn cameras that the NYPD officers were equipped with during the incident. The release follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during OSI investigations be made public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or peace officer, including corrections officers, may have caused a person's death by act or omission. Under this law, whether an officer is on-duty or off-duty and whether the decedent is armed or unarmed does not affect OSI's assessment responsibilities. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, it proceeds with a full investigation.
The release of this footage does not express any opinion regarding guilt or innocence in any criminal matter nor any opinion on how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.
Warning: This video contains content that viewers may find disturbing.