Protests erupted in New York this week after the NYPD released body camera footage showing a police shooting involving a subway fare-evader armed with a knife.
The incident on Sunday involved four people being shot after a man jumped a subway turnstile, evading the US$2.90 fare, in front of two transit patrol officers guarding a Brooklyn subway entry point.
Authorities reported that the officers pursued Derrell Mickles, 37, onto the subway platform. Mickles, who was armed with a knife, refused to comply with repeated orders to drop his weapon.
Edited bodycam and surveillance footage released by the NYPD on Friday shows Mickles entering a subway train car in an attempt to evade the police during the confrontation. The officers deployed their tasers unsuccessfully before chasing him back onto the platform.
Police-worn body cam video shows officers confront suspect in subway shooting
NYPD release police-worn body camera of the confrontation with 37-year-old Derrell Mickles in the subway station shooting in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/CRImruK4Rq
— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) September 21, 2024
After a short chase, Mickles was cornered by two officers. The video shows the officers discharging their weapons multiple times, resulting in Mickles collapsing into the subway car.
Police stated that Mickles charged at them with his weapon officers, prompting the officers to open fire.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry posted on social media that officers tried to de-escalate the situation, ordering Mickles to drop the knife over 30 times and deploying tasers three times, all without success.
Two bystanders and an officer were also struck by gunfire during the incident. One bystander was hit in the head by a stray bullet.
Mickles was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon, among other charges. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Friday.
Attempts to reach Mickles’ attorney for comment remain unanswered.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell addressed reporters on Wednesday, stating that the incident was not about fare evasion but about a person in mental distress armed with a deadly weapon, and the need to protect officers and citizens.
Multiple Black-led orgs including @Blacks4Peace join to speak on the interconnected fight for Black and Palestinian liberation as well as the importance of organizing in solidarity to continue building a mass movement against police repression. https://t.co/mFaoLXBHcr pic.twitter.com/gMvfHck6LW
— Gerard (@GerardDalbon) September 20, 2024
Public advocates and New York City residents disagree, protesting against the police’s excessive use of force.
The Legal Aid Society, a New York City public advocacy group, criticised the footage, claiming it fails to capture the entire incident and contradicts the NYPD’s assertion that Mickles charged at an officer.
The Legal Aid Society stated, “The video clearly shows Mr. Mickles standing still when NYPD personnel fired at him.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- New York Times reported that NYPD officials defended their officers’ actions in the subway shooting, asserting they responded appropriately to a perceived threat. However, public outrage persists, demanding transparency and accountability for the incident. (Read more)
- Mother Jones sees The NYPD’s violent response to a fare evasion as indicative of systemic over-policing in New York’s subways. Advocates argue this disproportionate force endangers lives over minor infractions like a US$2.90 fare. (Read more)
- ABC7 News reported that protests erupted following the NYPD shooting, with demonstrators criticising police actions as reckless. Calls for accountability are growing, especially after a bystander was critically injured during the incident. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are New Yorkers protesting?
New Yorkers are protesting due to the NYPD’s use of force in a police shooting involving a subway fare-evader with a knife.
What started the incident leading to the police shooting?
The incident began when Derrell Mickles jumped a subway turnstile to evade a US$2.90 fare in front of two transit patrol officers.
What did the NYPD say about their use of force?
The NYPD stated officers fired their weapons after Mickles charged at them with a knife.
How did Legal Aid Society respond to the NYPD’s footage?
Legal Aid Society stated the footage contradicts the NYPD’s claim that Mickles charged at an officer, showing him standing still instead.
Were there any other injuries during the incident?
Yes, two bystanders and an officer were struck by gunfire, with one bystander hit by a stray bullet in the head.
