Two Weeks Have Passed, But the Pain Remains
By SweSwe Aye/Myanmar Gazette
UTICA, NY – Two weeks after the tragic death of Nyah Mway, hundreds gathered on the lawn of 220 Memorial Parkway in a poignant display of unity and grief. The diverse crowd, including members of the Karen community, children, and individuals from various backgrounds, wore white and traditional Karen attire in a solemn tribute.
Among the attendees, a white woman held a sign that starkly read, “He was 13. He ran away. He was tackled. He was beaten. He was executed.” The message resonated with the crowd, as many shared their grief and disbelief over the young boy’s untimely death.
“We miss him so much. It’s so sad. He shouldn’t have died,” lamented a young Karen resident wearing a commemorative white t-shirt.
Nyah Mway’s smiling face adorned the front of the shirts, while the back bore the powerful message, “WE ARE THE FUTURE.” As the program began, with speeches from Nyah Mway’s family and community leaders, the crowd listened intently, their shared grief fueling a collective call for justice.
Nyah Mway, a 13-Year-Old Karen Refugee Shot by Police
The Utica community is reeling from the tragic death of Nyah Mway, a 13-year-old Karen refugee who was fatally shot by police on the night of June 28, 2024. Nyah Mway had just completed eighth grade and was looking forward to starting high school with his cousins and siblings.
“He was so happy to be moving on to high school with his family,” said Nyah Mway’s aunt. “They were all excited for the future.”
The incident occurred as Nyah Mway was returning home from a barbecue with a friend. When questioned by police in the 900 block of Shaw Street, he ran, prompting a chase by three officers. Two officers tackled Nyah Mway to the ground, while a third officer fired a single shot, killing him.
A bystander’s video captured part of the altercation, showing an officer punching Nyah Mway as two others arrived. The footage has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with many questioning the use of lethal force against a young teenager.
Nyah Mway and his family had immigrated to Utica from Myanmar nine years earlier, seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict in their homeland. He was a beloved member of the community, known for his kindness and infectious smile.
The incident has reopened deep wounds for the Karen community, who have long faced persecution and displacement. It has also raised concerns about police brutality and the treatment of refugees and immigrants.
An investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the involved officers have been placed on leave. Community leaders and activists are demanding transparency and justice for Nyah Mway.
“Nyah Mway’s life mattered,” said a local activist. “We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”
Bodycam Footage Sparks Controversy, Community Questions Police Narrative in shooting
The Utica Police Department has released bodycam footage of the June 28th incident. The department’s statement claims that Nyah Mway pulled out a “replica Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun” and pointed it at an officer while fleeing arrest.
However, the video’s release has sparked more questions than answers. It shows Nyah Mway running from police and being tackled, but the moment he allegedly points a gun is obscured. The video cuts away, replaced by a still image with a red circle highlighting the purported weapon.
“We have many questions,” Daniel Cribb, a community leader and former director of the Refugee Settlement Program in Utica said. “Was the bodycam footage edited or manipulated? How reliable is it that it’s complete?”
The Utica Karen Community has expressed skepticism about the police narrative, demanding transparency and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nyah Mway’s death.
In a June 29th statement, the Utica Police Department cited Nyah Mway’s alleged violation of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law 1156a (jaywalking) and his suspected involvement in a recent robbery as justification for pursuing him. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Officer Patterson’s bodycam footage reveals his account of the events leading to the fatal shooting of Nyah Mway. “I saw he had a gun, so I took him down to the ground,” Patterson said. “We were wrestling and ultimately the gun came out right next to him. Then Husnay got one round.” Officer Patterson said.
However, the bodycam footage released by the Utica Police Department contradicts this narrative. It shows Nyah Mway lying on the ground, illuminated by a flashlight, with no gun visible near his body. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the official police account.
“If you look at the video taken by the bystander, there was no exchange of fire that the police initially said was a shootout. In my opinion, the police shot Nyah Mway in one shot. You can see in the bodycam video that they are asking each other why you shot.”
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice, particularly among the Karen community and those concerned about police brutality. Senya Bekui, a representative of Citizen Action of New York, who participated in the Justice for Nyah Mway march, voiced his concerns: “Unnecessary stopped on the way home just hanging out with his friend. It’s absurd if you see they chasing him, punched his face, immediately shoot him without even a second and hesitation. The three police officers the grown men surrounded him. It makes me very upset obviously but “ It gives me motivation to see something change about the Utica Police Department.” Bekui further highlighted the excessive force used against Nyah Mway.
Hundreds March in Solidarity, Demanding Justice for Nyah Mway
Nearly 600 people, representing diverse communities from across California, Pennsylvania, and New York, marched two miles from 220 Memorial Parkway to Mohawk Valley Community College on July13, 2024, demanding justice for Nyah Mway.
The marchers, a mix of Burmese, Karen, white, and Black individuals, chanted for justice and accountability, calling for a transparent and thorough investigation into the incident. A young Karen woman addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for justice and action to prevent Nyah Mway’s case from being “swept under the rug.” She urged the mayor of Utica to prioritize the investigation and ensure the safety of young people like Nyah Mway.
The woman also stressed the importance of community institutions, resources, and recreation in providing support and opportunities for young people. She called for the establishment of an independent civilian review board to oversee the investigation, ensuring accountability and transparency.
The march included a poignant performance of traditional Karen dances, honoring Nyah Mway’s heritage and celebrating his life. Daniel Cribb, who led security for the youth-led march, emphasized the family’s desire for peace and justice, stating, “We focus on peace without any violence and on the safety of the marchers.”
The march demonstrates the growing public outrage and demand for answers surrounding Nyah Mway’s death.
California Communities Gather in Prayer and Vigil for Nyah Mway, Demand Understanding with Law Enforcement
In a show of solidarity with the Utica Karen community, several events have been held in California to honor the memory of Nyah Mway and address concerns about law enforcement interactions with young Burmese immigrants.
On June 12th, a prayer service led by Brown University student Filbert Aung, joined by the Myanmar Student Union from ABSFU, took place at the Burma Buddhist Monastery in La Puente. The following evening, the Karen Organization of San Diego held a candlelight vigil at Calina Del Sol Park, seeking justice for Nyah Mway’s death and standing in solidarity with the grieving community in Utica.
Furthermore, on July 21st, a conference titled “Understanding Law Enforcement in the Burmese Community” was held at Garvey Ranch Park. Hosted by Myanmar Gazette, the event featured Monterey Park Mayor Thomas Wong, former intelligence official Mr. Ye Htut Aung, and Monterey Park Police Chief Scott Weise. The conference aimed to foster understanding and prevent future incidents involving young Burmese immigrants being arrested due to misunderstandings related to replica guns. Monterey Park Police Chief Scott Weise emphasized the difficulty in distinguishing fake guns from real ones, highlighting the inherent danger of wielding such replicas. He stressed the hazardous nature of police work, noting that officers are often forced to defend themselves when confronted with firearm threats, regardless of the weapon’s authenticity.
Utica: A Second Chance Cut Short for Young Karen Refugee
Utica has a rich history of resettling refugees from diverse backgrounds. The city’s population of 62,235 (as of 2010) reflects its commitment to providing sanctuary to those fleeing conflict and persecution, with significant populations hailing from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, and other countries.
This diversity is evident in Utica’s public schools, where more than 40 languages are spoken, and in the community at large, where one in five residents is a refugee or a child of a refugee, according to the Fiscal Policy Institute.
Nyah Mway and his family were among the thousands of Karen refugees who have found a home in Utica. He was remembered fondly by Venerable Pyin Nyein Da, the Burmese Buddhist monk at Thit Sar War Di local Buddhist monastery, who described him as a polite and respectful young man. “ We all need justice for him but we will fight for justice by only peaceful way and nothing violence”. Ven. Pyin Nyein Da Pyin Nyein Da joined the march on July 13.
” I know Nyah. He was a polite and calm child. The family are very honest Karen people. When guests came to the house, they would welcome them with betel leaves according to the traditional custom.”, he said.
The tragic loss of Nyah Mway has shaken the community and raised questions about the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable members
“Loss of a Son Amplifies Family’s Struggles as Karen Refugees in America”
Nyah Mway, his parents and his two brothers emigrated from the Thai-Myanmar border to Utica nine years ago, seeking a better life for their family. He was born in Umpium Camp in Thailand.
“It would be less painful for me if he died of a common illness,” shared Chee War, Nyah Mway’s mother, who speaks only Karen. “He left home and was killed by others and did not return home. There is not much worse than this hurt feeling for me for the loss of my son. There is no way to explain his death.”
Nyah Mway was described as a kind and studious young man who never used drugs, smoked, or engaged in criminal activities. His passions included playing soccer and video games. Nyah Mway’s parents shared that their son had dreams of graduating high school and attending university.
“He wanted to be an educated person,” said Chee War. “Every time he left for school, Nyah always said ‘I love you, mom’ to me.”
The family’s grief is palpable. “My son died like this, and I can’t sleep at night. I can’t eat anything,” shared by Ka Lee Wan, Nyah Mway’s father. “People keep talking to me. I can hear what they’re saying, but I don’t know what they’re saying anymore.”
Ka Lee Wan, a father of four, works 12-hour shifts cooling steel bars at a local factory. He is also an amputee, having lost a left leg to a landmine while living in Karen State, Myanmar. The Karen people have been disproportionately affected by landmines due to the ongoing civil war. A 50-year-old Karen refugee, also an amputee, visited the family to offer condolences and inquire about funeral arrangements.
Utica’s Refugee Community Faces Racism and Neglect Amidst Welcoming City Rhetoric
Despite Utica’s self-proclaimed status as a “Refugee Welcoming City” and a “Sanctuary City,” the experiences of many refugees, particularly those from the Karen community, paint a different picture. Senya Bekui, a representative of Citizen Action of New York, highlights the disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
“25% of this city is refugees,” Bekui states. “But what I’ve seen from the experiences of those in this city is that the community here is actually ignored. They are pushed to the side. Their needs are not listened to.”
Bekui emphasizes that there is a lack of effort to integrate refugees into the wider community. This lack of integration, he argues, contributed to a recent tragic incident involving a young Karen man, Nyah Mway, who was killed by police while allegedly fleeing.
“Running away should not have to be a death sentence,” Bekui asserts. “He was three streets away from his home, trying to get to safety.”
Bekui draws a connection between Nyah Mway’s actions and the experiences of many Karen refugees who have fled persecution in Myanmar. “A lot of their parents told them to run away when they interact with the police because of the conflicts going on there with the military regime and the police officers there,” she explains.
The demographic makeup of Utica, where 54.4% of residents are white, further underscores the challenges faced by refugees in integrating and feeling truly welcomed.
The Community calls for Police Reform
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for police reform within the Karen community and beyond. Bekui emphasizes that the community is tired of empty promises and demands action.
Utica Police Chief Williams held a press conference on June 29, the following the shooting, to address the incident. The state Attorney General’s Office has initiated a special investigation to determine whether any state laws were violated during the encounter.
“This incident has really inspired me to push the police in Utica to make reforms,” Bekui states. “All of our communities will demand in every way possible that the police in this city be reformed to an acceptable level.”
“We shouldn’t be afraid of the police. We shouldn’t be afraid of the police killing children. The police should be protecting us and the community,” Ma Yadana Oo, a young Karen leader in Utica, said at the Justice For Nyah Mway march.
Link for Burmese version – https://myanmargazette.net/242347/
