Empire State Today

New York Attorney General Letitia James has made public the police body-worn camera footage related to the investigation into the death of Rakim Tillery. Tillery passed away on January 3, 2024, after an encounter with the New York State Police in Ramapo, Rockland County.

The incident unfolded when two NYSP troopers stopped a vehicle on the New York State Thruway following a report from Albany earlier that day. Tillery, identified as the driver, engaged in a confrontation with the troopers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that led to his death at the scene. A weapon was recovered during the incident.

In line with transparency efforts, the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under the Attorney General's Office has released footage from the body-worn cameras worn by the involved troopers. Attorney General James emphasized the importance of releasing such materials to the public to enhance trust and transparency in such cases.

The Attorney General's approach aligns with New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which mandates an assessment by OSI in incidents where a law enforcement officer may be involved in a person's death. This assessment includes scenarios where the deceased individual was armed or unarmed, in custody or not, and whether the officer was on or off-duty.

It is crucial to note that the release of the footage does not imply any judgment on the guilt or innocence of the parties involved in the incident. Attorney General James aims to facilitate a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tillery's death.