NY Attorney General Clears Officers in 2024 Shooting
Officials determined the fatal shooting of Christopher Ferguson by police was justified under the law.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The New York Attorney General has cleared NYPD officers of wrongdoing in the 2024 fatal shooting of Christopher Ferguson. The incident took place in the Crown Heights neighborhood.
Why it matters
The Attorney General concluded that a prosecutor would be unable to prove the actions of the officers were legally unjustified. This decision follows a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the fatal encounter.
In the 2024 incident in Crown Heights, officers fired a total of 19 shots at Christopher Ferguson. No criminal charges have been filed against the officers following the Attorney General's legal review.
The players
New York Attorney General
The New York Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state and is responsible for leading the state's Department of Law.
Christopher Ferguson
Christopher Ferguson was the individual involved in a fatal encounter with NYPD officers in Crown Heights.
NYPD
The New York City Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the city of New York.
The details
The investigation determined that the shooting occurred after Ferguson opened the passenger door of his vehicle and pointed a gun directly at the officers. As a result of this threat, the officers engaged and fired 19 shots, leading to Ferguson's death.
Timeline
The fatal shooting of Christopher Ferguson occurred in 2024.
Legal Context
This case follows established protocols for police use of force reviews as mandated by New York Executive Law Section 70-a. These state-level investigations are designed to provide independent oversight when fatal encounters occur between law enforcement and the public.
This decision marks the conclusion of the official state investigation into the incident in Crown Heights. The findings provide clarity on the legal status of the officers involved for the local community and the public.
The takeaway
The Attorney General's review underscores the legal standards applied when evaluating split-second use of force decisions by police. Residents can access official statements and investigation summaries through the state's legal portals for further transparency.
Further reading
For more information on local police oversight and procedures, visit New York City Law Enforcement.
