The bodycam footage, released by the NYPD on Monday, shows Djamshed Nematov holding a large knife as he charged at two police officers and one sergeant, just moments after they arrived on the second floor of a Forest Hills apartment building in Queens.
The incident occurred on March 8.
The video displays Officers Kimberly O’Rourke and Michael Taveras yelling at Nematov to drop the 12-inch knife before opening fire.
Sgt.
Raymond Decostanzo also deployed a taser during the encounter.
The gunfire can be heard in the background as Nematov crumples to the ground, while a woman’s scream echoes through the hallway.
He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The police were called to the scene after receiving reports that Nematov had stabbed his wife in her stomach during a family party, with children and other loved ones present.
His wife, Amira Nematov, survived the attack.
The couple’s relationship appeared stable until recent months when they began experiencing marital issues.
Nematov’s brother-in-law mentioned that he believed Nematov had been suffering from mental health problems at the time of the stabbing.
A relative also stated that Nematov was struggling with hallucinations and possibly depression, which may have contributed to the violent incident.
NYPD spokesperson Carlos Nieves announced in a video message that accompanied the bodycam footage that the department’s force investigation division is continuing its probe of the fatal shooting.
In addition to this internal investigation, the New York State Attorney General’s Office has also opened a case into the matter in accordance with state law.
The graphic and chilling bodycam footage serves as a reminder of the dangerous situations that police officers often face while carrying out their duties.
The ongoing investigations will help determine whether the use of force was justified, taking into account both the immediate threat posed by Nematov and his potential mental health struggles.