(WNY News Now) – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death of Akintunde Campbell, who was fatally shot by Rochester police on July 31.
ROCHESTER, NY – The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under New York Attorney General Letitia James has opened an inquiry into the death of Akintunde Campbell, who died following a police-involved shooting in Rochester on July 31, 2025.
According to initial reports, Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers responded at approximately 7:37 p.m. to multiple 911 calls concerning a man allegedly looking into homes and vehicles along Ernestine Street. Upon locating a man matching the callers’ descriptions—identified as Mr. Campbell—officers attempted to engage with him on a nearby sidewalk.
Authorities stated that a brief struggle occurred before Campbell reportedly walked away and allegedly brandished what appeared to be a black handgun. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon. When he did not comply, officers discharged their service weapons, fatally striking Campbell. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was reportedly recovered at the location.
Under New York Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI is mandated to investigate any incident in which a police or peace officer may have caused the death of a civilian, regardless of whether the person was armed, in custody, or if the officer was on or off duty.
The Attorney General’s office emphasized that the facts of the case are preliminary and may be subject to change as the investigation proceeds. The OSI has not yet released further details, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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