The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) is conducting an investigation into the death of a civilian named Jumaane Wright, which occurred during an encounter with the New York City Police Department in Brooklyn. The incident took place on Tuesday evening, on the Belt Parkway near Rockaway Parkway. Wright suffered a fatal gunshot wound inflicted by an NYPD officer and later died in a local hospital.
As detailed by the Attorney General's press release, the OSI reviews all incidents in which a police or peace officer may have caused a person’s death, whether through direct action or inaction. This mandate applies regardless of the individual's circumstances—armed or unarmed, in custody or not. The law encompasses conduct by officers both on and off duty, recognizing that the distinction between these roles can sometimes become unclear in situations that result in fatal outcomes.
This initial announcement initiates the process that may lead to a full investigation, as the OSI is mandated to conduct a comprehensive inquiry if a preliminary assessment indicates potential involvement of an officer in a death. The OSI operates under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which establishes the protocol for handling such incidents.
The information currently available is preliminary and may be updated as the investigation proceeds. Additional details are expected to provide further clarity regarding the circumstances of Wright’s final moments.
