The family of a former FDNY lieutenant is demanding answers after he was fatally shot by police in a Brooklyn hospital room.
“We’re here to respectfully, but firmly, demand a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances and details surrounding Mike’s death,” said Jonathan Logan, president of the FDNY Vulcan Society — a fraternity of Black FDNY firefighters.
What You Need To Know
Family and friends of Michael Lynch say he did not have a history of mental illness and went to the hospital to be treated for stroke-like symptoms
Lynch was a retired FDNY lieutenant, NYPD officer and MTA bus driver, and participated in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following 9/11
State Attorney General Letitia James announced earlier this week that her office has opened an investigation into Lynch’s death
The family of 62-year-old Michael Lynch held a press conference outside NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Park Slope Friday, flanked by elected officials and dozens of members of the FDNY.
“The Vulcan Society has lost one of its giants — passionate public servant of the city of New York, Michael Lynch. A devoted father, a husband, a friend, a mentor and highly respected member of his community,” Logan said.
Police said on Jan. 8, Lynch barricaded himself in a hospital room along with an elderly patient and a security guard, and threatened to harm himself and others with a makeshift weapon.
“When they got to the room, they saw blood all over the walls, floor and splattered across the exterior of the door. The subject came into the doorframe and displayed a bloody weapon,” Assistant NYPD Chief Charlie Minch said during a press conference on the night of the shooting.
Officers ordered him to drop the weapon multiple times and tried to tase him, according to the NYPD. That’s when he allegedly moved toward those officers, who then opened fire.
“There is absolutely nothing to suggest that he had any prior distress or mental health issues,” Kenneth Montgomery, a lawyer for the Lynch family, said.
“Even if he did, he shouldn’t be dead. I just want to be clear about that. Nothing that happens should’ve lead to his death, and that’s what we really want to figure out and are pushing for this transparent investigation,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said.
In addition to FDNY lieutenant, Lynch was also an NYPD officer and MTA bus driver and participated in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following 9/11. A lawyer for his family says Lynch was admitted to the hospital for stroke-like symptoms the day before he was killed.
“He came to this hospital because he was in distress, medical distress. And as a result, he leaves this hospital dead,” Montgomery said.
State Attorney General Letitia James announced earlier this week that her office has opened an investigation into Lynch’s death. The NYPD says the investigation continues.