Photo: Getty Images
A judge has recommended no punishment for the officers who tased, shot, and killed 32-year-old Kawaski Trawick in his kitchen, per News12.
Trawick was killed in 2019 after he locked himself out of his apartment at a supportive housing facility in the Bronx. The 32-year-old called 911 and allegedly falsely reported that the building was on fire.
The Fire Department initially responded to the call and opened his door without incident. Surveillance video shows Trawick carrying a knife and stick as he said goodbye to firefighters and went back inside his apartment.
Minutes later, officers Brendan Thompson and Herbert Davis arrived at the scene, where they found Trawick at his stove in his underwear still holding the knife and stick.
The officers repeatedly told Trawick to put the knife away. “I've got a knife because I'm cooking!” Trawick responded.
While Trawick was standing still, Thompson fired his Taser, bringing the 32-year-old to the floor. Trawick yelled to officers “I’m gonna kill you all!" while still holding the knife. Thompson then fatally shot the man after his partner attempted to push his gun down.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella recommended last month that the officers not be punished following an internal NYPD trial and investigation.
The family of Trawick, who moved to New York City to pursue his dreams in dance, has called for the officers to be fired for their involvement in his death.
“He was working toward ... getting himself to a place where he was known for what he loved to do,” his mother, Ellen Trawick, said. “Not for being murdered by two police officers.”
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