Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Syracuse

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Donnell Hogan, who died on May 13, 2025 following an encounter with members of the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) in Syracuse.

On the evening of May 13, SPD officers responded to reports of an individual firing a gun inside and outside of an apartment building on North Townsend Street in Syracuse. As officers entered a second-floor hallway of the building, they encountered Mr. Hogan, who was in a wheelchair and holding a gun. Mr. Hogan allegedly fired his gun at the officers, and an officer fired his patrol rifle once, striking Mr. Hogan. Mr. Hogan was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.