This bodycam footage, provided by the New York Attorney General’s office, shows two New York State Policemen shooting and attempting to restrain a suspect before shooting him again at close range. Viewer discretion is advised.

After being pulled over in reference to a separate incident which occurred earlier in the day, the suspect, Rakim Tillery, opened fire on the officer. The bodycam footage herein shows backup arriving as the contact officer retreats under fire. The backup officer drills Tillery with one hand as he gets out of his vehicle. Tillery’s weapon can be seen on the ground at 0:27, and the backup officer commits to charging him. The backup officer’s weapon appears to be in lockback, and he doesn’t pause to get it back online. He moves on the suspect before he can get to his weapon. Tillery reaches for the officer’s pistol despite it being in lockback. The initial contact officer, sidelined until now, shoots Tillery at 0:40 and again a few seconds later.

At 01:10, we see the other officer’s perspective, which clearly shows cars speeding through the dynamic scene. As much as he’s moving around, as Tillery and the other officer are wrestling and moving, it’s fairly surprising that the other officer wasn’t shot. Tillery was declared dead on-scene.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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