AG investigating Purling campground shooting

CAIRO―The state Attorney General’s Office announced Wednesday that it has opened an investigation into the death of Amir Mahmoud Hamza, the man shot by State Police at Whip-O-Will Campground after allegedly brandishing a gun at troopers.

In New York, the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) reviews every incident where a police or peace officer―on-duty or off-duty, and whether the person is armed, unarmed, or in custody―caused a death. OSI will either present evidence to a grand jury for consideration of criminal charges or publish a report explaining why the evidence in the case does not warrant presentation to a grand jury.

Hamza, 45, whose last known address was in Philmont, pointed what appeared to be a handgun at troopers who were responding to an assault at the County Route 31 campground, State Police said. It happened around 8:30 p.m. on Monday.

State Police said Tuesday that the weapon was determined to be a black pistol-style BB gun and released a photo showing its resemblance to a more powerful handgun.  

Troopers had initially responded to the campground for an open-line 911 call during which dispatchers could hear what sounded like a domestic incident in the background.

Upon arrival, troopers found a male victim with a head injury sustained during a physical altercation. The man reportedly told troopers that he had been assaulted and pointed them to a nearby camper where Hamza was inside.

“Troopers proceeded to the camper, knocked on the door and announced, ‘State Police.’ As troopers were positioned outside the camper, Hamza exited and advanced toward a trooper while extending his right arm and pointing a black pistol-style gun directly at him,” State Police said in a statement.

“The trooper moved out of Hamza’s line of approach, drew his division-issued firearm and discharged his weapon, striking Hamza,” according to State Police.

Police immediately began administering first aid to Hamza, troopers said. CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) were utilized until emergency medical personnel arrived, but Hamza was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a social media statement, Whip-O-Will Campground said they are “saddened by the tragic events involving a transient camper on September 14.”

“We are grateful that all of our seasonal Whip-O-Will family is safe and thank law enforcement for their quick response. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost a loved one,” Whip-O-Will stated.

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is also investigating the incident and is asking anyone with information to contact them at 845-344-5300.

The names of the involved troopers have not yet been released.

The man who suffered a head injury was transported to Albany Medical Center and reported to be in stable condition.