A 45-year-old man was fatally shot by New York State troopers at a campground in Cairo, New York, after police said he pointed a black pistol-style BB gun at an officer during a reported domestic incident. The shooting happened on September 14, 2026, and remains under investigation by state authorities.
Police Respond to Reported Domestic Incident at Campground
New York State Police officers were dispatched to the Whip-O-Will Campground in Cairo at approximately 8:22 p.m. on Monday following a 911 call concerning a possible ongoing domestic incident.
According to police, troopers arrived and encountered a man who had apparently suffered a head injury during a physical altercation. The man reportedly told officers that he had been assaulted and directed them toward a camper.
Inside the camper was 45-year-old Amir Hamza, whom police later identified as the man who died in the shooting.
Troopers Say Man Pointed Pistol-Style Gun at Officer
Police said troopers announced their presence and attempted to enter the camper. During the encounter, Hamza allegedly exited the camper and moved toward a trooper while extending his right arm.
Authorities said he pointed what appeared to be a black pistol directly at the officer. The trooper then fired his service weapon, striking Hamza.
Emergency responders provided lifesaving efforts at the scene. CPR and an automated external defibrillator were used before emergency medical personnel arrived and continued treatment. Hamza was ultimately pronounced dead at the campground.
The names of the troopers involved have not been released. Authorities have also not disclosed further details about the physical altercation that preceded the shooting.
Investigation Finds Weapon Was a BB Gun
A preliminary investigation determined that Hamza was not carrying a conventional firearm. Instead, police identified the object as a black pistol-style BB gun.
The incident is being investigated by the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the confrontation or the events inside the camper.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the New York State Police Catskill Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may be released as authorities continue examining the incident.
