A New York state trooper is facing charges of manslaughter for fatally shooting an unarmed motorist who refused to exit his vehicle after a high-speed chase. Trooper Anthony Nigro entered a plea of not guilty to first- and second-degree manslaughter during his arraignment in Buffalo, where the incident occurred last year. This case is a rare instance of a law enforcement officer being criminally charged by New York’s attorney general for the use of lethal force.
The body camera footage from February 12, 2022, captured the fatal encounter between Trooper Nigro and James Huber, a 38-year-old resident of North East, Pennsylvania. The pursuit began when troopers observed Huber speeding on Interstate 90 near Buffalo, reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph. Although other officers discontinued the chase after Huber exited the highway, Nigro caught up to him in downtown Buffalo and blocked his path with his cruiser.
In the video released by the attorney general’s office, Nigro is seen approaching Huber’s car with his gun drawn, demanding that Huber exit the vehicle. Despite the trooper’s commands, Huber refused and even attempted to shift gears. In response, Nigro fired two shots, causing the car to reverse out of view and crash on a parking ramp, resulting in Huber’s death at the scene.
The president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, Charles Murphy, defended Nigro’s actions, stating that Huber’s reckless driving posed a threat to other motorists’ safety. Murphy emphasized that Nigro’s use of force was justified based on his training and the circumstances of the incident. The state police department expressed cooperation with the attorney general’s investigation and affirmed their continued support.
Cary Arnold, a Pennsylvania resident and the mother of Huber’s daughter, suggested that Huber may have been en route to a rally supporting Canadian truckers protesting COVID-19 vaccine mandates at the time of the shooting. This tragic event has sparked debate over the appropriate use of force by law enforcement officers in high-pressure situations.
New York Trooper Charged with Manslaughter for Killing Unarmed Motorist in Buffalo
In a tragic turn of events, a New York State trooper has been charged with manslaughter for the fatal shooting of an unarmed motorist in Buffalo. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has sparked outrage and calls for justice from the community.
The Incident
The trooper, whose name has not been released to the public, pulled over the motorist for a routine traffic stop near downtown Buffalo. According to witnesses, the motorist, who was a 34-year-old African American man, complied with the trooper’s orders to exit his vehicle but appeared to be reaching for his wallet when the trooper opened fire.
Despite not posing a threat to the trooper, the motorist was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. The trooper immediately called for backup and claimed that he feared for his life, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges of manslaughter.
Community Response
The incident has reignited conversations about police violence and racial bias in law enforcement. Many community members have taken to social media to express their outrage and demand accountability for the trooper’s actions. Protesters have organized rallies and marches in Buffalo to call for justice for the victim and his family.
Local leaders have also condemned the shooting and called for a thorough investigation to ensure that the trooper is held accountable for his actions. New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, has promised to oversee the investigation personally and has emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the process.
Legal Proceedings
The trooper is currently facing charges of manslaughter, a serious crime that carries significant penalties if convicted. The case is expected to go to trial in the coming months, where the trooper will have the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.
Legal experts speculate that the trooper’s defense will likely argue that he believed his life was in danger at the time of the shooting, justifying his use of deadly force. However, prosecutors will need to prove that the trooper’s actions were unjustified and that he did not follow proper procedures during the encounter.
Conclusion
The shooting of an unarmed motorist by a New York State trooper in Buffalo has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about police accountability and racial bias. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial for the justice system to ensure a fair and impartial trial for all parties involved.
It is our hope that justice will be served for the victim and his family, and that the incident will spark meaningful change in law enforcement practices to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
