New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released a report on the death of Courtney Gordon, who died on December 3, 2023, after an encounter with New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Queens. The investigation included body-worn camera footage review, interviews with involved New York City Fire Department (FDNY) paramedics, and comprehensive legal analysis.
The report states that two NYPD officers responded to a radio transmission reporting an "assault in progress" involving a knife at a residence on Beach 22nd Street in Far Rockaway, Queens. Officers arrived at 5:08 a.m., where they encountered Mr. Gordon walking down the driveway with luggage. When approached by the officers, Mr. Gordon produced a knife, stabbing one officer in the neck and slashing another on the forehead. In response, the first officer discharged his weapon, striking Mr. Gordon. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
According to New York’s justification law, police officers may use deadly force when they reasonably believe it necessary to defend against deadly physical force from another person. The OSI concluded that due to the circumstances — including the assault report and Mr. Gordon's attack — a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s actions were justified under this law.
“Under these circumstances,” OSI determined “that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.”