Family demands answers after police fatally shoot man inside Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Investigators said Lynch barricaded himself inside a room with an older patient and a security guard, then threatened to kill people with a make-shift weapon.
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The family of Michael Lynch is demanding answers after the 62-year-old man was fatally shot by police last week inside of New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Park Slope.
“Simply because someone may or may not follow the order of a police officer does not mean they should die,” said Kenneth Montgomery, the family’s attorney.
Investigators said Lynch barricaded himself inside a room with an older patient and a security guard, then threatened to kill people with a make-shift weapon.
Police said Lynch did not comply when officers ordered him several times to drop the weapon. Officers tried to tase Lynch several times, he came towards them, then they shot and killed him.
Montgomery told News 12 on Monday that Lynch was not a violent man and had no history of mental health issues.
“There’s nothing to suggest that this wasn’t a loving father and husband who had dedicated his entire life to service,” said Montgomery.
He said Lynch, who was a retired NYPD officer, FDNY lieutenant and MTA bus driver; was originally admitted for head pain and tingling in his hands.
“He came to the hospital because of a health issue,” said Montgomery. “Somewhere between him being admitted to the hospital and this incident, something happened and that’s what we’re trying to find out.”
Montgomery said it was too early to know if the Lynch family plans to sue the city.
“They are hoping that the attorney general’s office investigates this case to the fullest,” said Montgomery.
Along with the family demanding answers, the New York Attorney General’s Office announced Monday that they are launching an investigation into the incident.
Statement from the New York Attorney General’s Office: “Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.”
Statement from FDNY Uniformed Fire Officers Association President James Brosi: “The events that unfolded on Thursday are a tragic ending to an incredible life. Lt. Michael Lynch served the city in many capacities: protecting the public as a police officer, getting people to work as a bus driver, and finally protecting life and property as a Lieutenant on the FDNY. More important than his accomplished career, he was loved by his family, his community, and his fellow brothers and sisters on the job. We mourn his loss, grieve with his family, and support a full investigation into the events that led to his death.”
