New York City police officials have come under scrutiny for their decision to initially withhold information about an accidental gunshot that occurred as officers cleared pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University this week. The incident involved a sergeant accidentally firing his gun into a dark office as he tried to transfer it to his left hand while trying to gain access. The bullet ended up on the floor of the vacant office, causing no harm. Despite the potentially dangerous nature of the accident, city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, did not mention it in their statements after the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard defended the decision, stating that accidental gun discharges are fairly common and do not usually attract much attention.
The decision not to release body camera footage of the incident has also raised eyebrows, with the department selectively releasing some footage from the operation but refusing requests for unedited footage. The accidental discharge only came to light when it was reported by a news site on Thursday. The Manhattan district attorney’s office is now investigating the incident. Assistant Chief Carlos Valdez, head of the NYPD emergency service unit, explained that the sergeant accidentally fired his gun while searching for potentially hiding individuals in a vacant area of the building. The gun went off as he switched hands to unlock a locked office door, with the bullet fortunately not hitting anyone.
Mayor Adams praised the overall operation to clear Hamilton Hall, which has been a site of protests and occupations since 1968, without mentioning the accidental gunshot. The mayor commended the NYPD for their restraint and precision during the operation. Typically, the New York City police do not inform the public about accidental gunshots unless someone is actually struck by gunfire. Deputy Commissioner Sheppard justified the decision not to address the accidental discharge at the time, stating that it aligns with the department’s normal practice.
The lack of transparency surrounding the accidental gunshot has led to questions about the NYPD’s handling of the situation and their communication with the public. The decision not to disclose the incident immediately, along with the refusal to release full body camera footage, has fueled skepticism and speculation about the department’s motives. With the Manhattan district attorney’s office now involved in the investigation, the incident is likely to receive further scrutiny. The NYPD’s response to this incident may impact how they handle similar situations in the future and how they communicate with the public about potential risks and incidents involving police firearms.
