Posted on: October 13, 2026 01:15 PM

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Attorney General James office of special investigation releases report on death of Brian Czornyj

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Brian Czornyj, who died on June 5, 2025 following an encounter with members of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department (TPPD) in Dutchess County. After a thorough investigation, which included interviews with involved officers and civilian witnesses, review of body-worn camera footage, 911 calls, and TPPD records, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s actions were justified under New York law.

On the afternoon of June 5, TPPD officers went to a house in Poughkeepsie in response to a 911 call reporting that Mr. Czornyj was armed with a sword and had struck his father and a member of a mobile crisis team from Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County. The MHA team had responded to a call for assistance earlier in the day. When officers entered the house, they saw Mr. Czornyj holding a sword by its grip while his father was holding the same sword by the blade. At least one of the officers repeatedly ordered Mr. Czornyj to drop the sword and said he would shoot, but Mr. Czornyj did not comply. The officer discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Czornyj. Mr. Czornyj was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a Samurai sword at the scene.

From AG