State Police Killed New York Man at Campground
Authorities are investigating the death of a 45-year-old man who held a BB gun at a Purling campsite.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Law Enforcement
New York state police fatally shot 45-year-old Amir Hamza on September 14, 2026, after responding to an assault report at the Whip-o-Will Campground in Purling. The New York Attorney General’s office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Why it matters
The incident has triggered an mandatory investigation into the use of force by law enforcement officers. The death occurred after state troopers identified a BB gun held by the subject that closely resembled a real firearm.
The New York Attorney General's office is conducting an investigation into the shooting. Amir Hamza, age 45, was identified as the deceased.
The players
Amir Hamza
The 45-year-old man was killed during an encounter with state police at a campground.
Ronal Diaz-Arriaza
He is the state trooper who fired a weapon during the fatal encounter.
New York Attorney General
This office leads the independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The details
State troopers arrived at the Purling campground following reports of an assault and knocked on a camper door to announce their presence. Trooper Ronal Diaz-Arriaza fired his weapon after Hamza exited the camper holding a BB gun that appeared to be a real firearm.
Timeline
September 14, 2026, at 8:30 p.m.: Amir Hamza was shot and killed by state police.
September 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.: A funeral prayer will be held at the Islamic Center of Passaic County.
September 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.: A religious program will take place at the El-Zahra Islamic Center.
Legal Context
This investigation follows the established legal mandate requiring the Attorney General to probe all fatal encounters between police and civilians. It reflects the ongoing state-level scrutiny of police use-of-force incidents.
Residents and campground visitors may see increased investigative activity in the Purling area as the state continues its inquiry. The event serves as a reminder of the safety risks associated with realistic-looking imitation firearms in public encounters.
The takeaway
The use of look-alike BB guns in interactions with law enforcement can lead to fatal misunderstandings. Residents should be aware that police are trained to respond to apparent weapons as credible threats to their safety.
What happens next
A funeral prayer is scheduled for September 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Islamic Center of Passaic County, followed by a burial at East Ridgelawn Cemetery. Additionally, a religious program will be held on September 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the El-Zahra Islamic Center.
Further reading
For more information on oversight, visit the Law Enforcement section.
