The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has started an investigation into the death of Eslam Hegazy, which occurred on February 25, 2026, after an encounter with officers from the Vestal Police Department in Broome County.
According to information provided by the Attorney General’s office, Vestal Police Department officers responded to a 911 call at a residence in Vestal between 11:45 a.m. and 11:49 a.m. Officers encountered Mr. Hegazy outside the home holding a knife. During their interaction, police instructed Mr. Hegazy to drop the knife. A Taser was deployed at him during the incident. The statement notes that Mr. Hegazy allegedly continued to hold the knife when two officers fired their service weapons, striking him. He was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead that day. A knife was recovered from the scene.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews every case reported where a police or peace officer may have caused someone’s death through action or omission. This applies whether the officer is on-duty or off-duty and regardless of whether the deceased person was armed or unarmed, in custody or not. If OSI determines there is cause for further inquiry, it conducts a full investigation.
“These are preliminary facts and subject to change.”
The New York Attorney General serves as both law enforcement and legal advocacy agency for New York State, providing services such as consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation across regional offices statewide. The office promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy efforts under Letitia James’ leadership.
Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office.
The agency also works to protect public safety, defend civil rights, uphold consumer protections, preserve the environment and address local legal issues throughout New York.
