The Office of the New York Attorney General has made public body-worn camera footage related to the death of Brian Czornyj, who died on June 5, 2025, after an encounter with officers from the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department in Dutchess County.
The release is part of an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI). According to the office, this move aligns with a policy established by Attorney General Letitia James to increase transparency and build public trust by releasing such footage during OSI investigations.
On June 5, police responded to a report of an assault involving a sword at a residence in Poughkeepsie. Upon arrival, officers found two men standing together holding one sword. The younger man, identified as Mr. Czornyj, was uninjured and held the handle of the sword. The older man appeared injured and held the blade. Officers issued repeated commands for both men to drop the weapon. When they did not comply, an officer fired his service weapon and struck Mr. Czornyj. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead; the older man received treatment and was released that night. A Samurai sword was recovered at the scene.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews all incidents reported where a police or peace officer may have caused someone’s death through action or omission. This review applies whether or not the officer is on duty or if the deceased person is armed or unarmed, in custody or not. If OSI determines there is cause for concern regarding an officer’s involvement in a death, it launches a full investigation.
Attorney General James stated: “The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.”
A warning accompanied the video indicating that it contains material some viewers may find disturbing.
