Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Buffalo

March 9, 2026

NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on March 5, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) in Buffalo, Erie County.

At 10:55 p.m. on March 5, BPD officers reported to a residence on Minnesota Street in Buffalo in response to a 911 call. At 10:58 p.m., the officers forced entry into a bedroom of the residence and encountered a man who was allegedly holding a knife in each hand. The man allegedly ran toward an officer, holding the knives, and ignored commands to drop them. At least one officer deployed a Taser at the man. The man allegedly still held the knives when one officer discharged their service weapon, striking him. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered two knives from the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI's assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.