New York Attorney General Letitia James today released police body-worn camera footage obtained as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of Kent Edwards, who died on December 14, 2023, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Manhattan.
On the afternoon of December 14, NYPD officers engaged in an active criminal investigation went to a residence on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Before entering the apartment, officers attempted to negotiate with Mr. Edwards without success. When the officers entered the apartment, they continued attempts to engage Mr. Edwards. Eventually, Mr. Edwards shot at the officers from inside the bathroom, striking an officer’s protective vest and two officers’ ballistic shields. One of the officers discharged his weapon in response, striking Mr. Edwards. Mr. Edwards was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a gun at the scene.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released videos from body-worn cameras that NYPD officers were equipped with during the incident. The release follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office in 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 where a police officer or peace officer may have caused a person's death by act or omission. Under this law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed and either in custody or not incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI conducts a full investigation.
The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion regarding guilt or innocence in any criminal matter or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.
Warning: This video contains content that viewers may find disturbing.