Bodycam Footage Released in Fatal NYPD Shooting of Brooklyn Man Who Shot ESU Detective
BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, N.Y. — The New York Attorney General’s Office has released body-worn camera footage showing the fatal police shooting of a 48-year-old man who authorities say opened fire on NYPD Emergency Service Unit officers during a nearly three-hour standoff in Brooklyn, wounding an ESU detective.
Lamin Simmons was fatally shot by NYPD officers on June 19 inside a building at 190 Kosciuszko Street after police said he refused commands to drop a firearm and fired at officers. The footage was released as part of an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.
The incident began at approximately 5:45 a.m. when NYPD officers responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire inside the two-story brownstone. Responding officers heard additional shots and, after entering the building, encountered Simmons reportedly holding a firearm. Officers retreated and requested specialized NYPD units.
Simmons’ wife and son were able to safely leave the building, while an elderly couple living upstairs remained inside and were instructed by hostage negotiators to lock their door. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch later said investigators believed the incident stemmed from a dispute involving Simmons and the couple.
During the standoff, police said Simmons threw household objects, including a microwave, lamp, pots and pans, from a rear window toward officers. An NYPD drone was also deployed and confirmed he was armed, according to officials.
At approximately 8:52 a.m., members of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit entered the building, clearing debris and climbing over items after Simmons barricaded the front door and stairwell.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, ESU officers encountered Simmons holding a gun and ordered him to drop it. Authorities said Simmons did not comply and opened fire, striking ESU Detective Matthew Gale in the left leg. Multiple officers returned fire, striking Simmons.
Simmons was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police recovered two firearms from the scene.
Gale, a 15-year NYPD veteran, was transported to Kings County Hospital and underwent surgery. He has since recovered.
The Attorney General’s Office said the footage was released under Attorney General Letitia James’ policy of publicly releasing video obtained during Office of Special Investigation investigations to increase transparency and strengthen public trust.
