Attorney General Declines to Charge Officer in Queens Shooting

New York Attorney General Letitia James has decided not to press charges against an NYPD officer involved in the shooting death of a mentally ill man in Queens last year. However, the NYPD is still conducting an internal trial regarding the incident.

According to James’ office, officers were justified in their actions when they responded to a report of drug use at Wynn Rosario’s home in Ozone Park in March 2024, considering the 19-year-old lunged at them with scissors.

The two officers involved, Matthew Cianfrocco and Salvatore Alongi, are facing disciplinary charges with the Civilian Complaints Board in connection to Rosario’s death.

In September, the NYPD’s internal review found that excessive force and abuse of power charges against the officers were substantiated. Penalties could range from suspension without pay to termination.

The upcoming mayor, Zoran Mamdani, expressed his anticipation for the outcome of the police disciplinary process, viewing it as a necessary step towards justice for Rosario’s family.

Mamdani referred to Rosario’s death as a tragic event that deeply affected the community, stating, “I think it’s a senseless tragedy that caused pain to many New Yorkers, especially his loved ones.” He emphasized the importance of the ongoing disciplinary trial.

The incident, which was captured on body camera, unfolded shortly before 2 p.m. on March 27, 2024. Police found Rosario with his mother and younger brother at their home. During a struggle, Rosario seized a pair of scissors while his mother attempted to control him.

Initially, one officer used a stun gun on Rosario. After the mother managed to wrestle the scissors away and warned, “Don’t shoot!”, officers ordered her to back away. However, Rosario managed to grab the scissors again and moved towards the officers, prompting them to shoot.

As the officers fired a total of five shots, one officer shouted, “Leave me alone!” before Rosario fell, fatally wounded.

James’ report concluded that under the current laws and evidence presented, prosecutors wouldn’t be able to prove that the officers’ use of deadly force was unjustified, leading to the decision not to file criminal charges.

The report also pointed out that the city’s Behavioral Health Emergency Response Division’s Mental Health Crisis Team was not present during the incident, stating that even if they were, they typically don’t respond to calls about drug use.

There are recommendations in the report to extend the reach of the BHEARD team to more areas and broaden the types of situations they respond to.

Mamdani, who recently won the mayoral election against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, has proposed replacing police officers in some roles with social workers to enhance community wellbeing.

A Queens council member has urged NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to continue in her position after he takes office in January. However, Mamdani’s previous remarks about policing have raised concerns among law enforcement authorities and experts in the area.

“This decision doesn’t lessen our duty to ensure such tragedies don’t happen again,” he noted. The NYPD has not commented on James’ decision.