Brooklyn – 62-year-old Michael Lynch was fatally shot by NYPD officers at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Park Slope on January 8, 2026. 
Incident Overview
At around 5:30 p.m. officers responded to calls reporting a man with a knife on the eighth floor of New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. When officers arrived, Lynch locked himself inside a room with an elderly patient and a hospital security employee. Staff said that the man cut himself and made threats to harm others.
Police say they issued multiple verbal commands to drop the weapon and attempted de-escalation, but Lynch did not comply. Officers also deployed tasers, which proved ineffective. As Lynch advanced with a knife, officers fired their weapons, striking him. Lynch would be pronounced dead at the scene.
The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is leading the investigation into this incident.
Legal Standards & Use-of-Force Principles
Use of Deadly Force
In New York, law enforcement officers are generally permitted to use deadly force only when they reasonably believe the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious physical harm or death to officers or others. This standard originates from principles first articulated by the U.S. Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor requiring that the officer’s use of force be objectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances.
What Families & Advocates Should Know
If you are affected by an officer-involved shooting or concerned about use of force in your community:
- Request Records and Video Evidence: Official reports, 911 calls, and body camera footage are often critical for understanding how and why force was used.
- Understand the Investigation Process: Independent reviews by state attorneys general or inspector generals can provide transparency beyond internal police procedures.
- Consult Legal Counsel: Families may have civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 or other state law causes of action if the use of force was unlawful.
- Advocate for Policy Reform: Engaging local policymakers about crisis response alternatives and de-escalation training can be part of community safety solutions.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident such as this one involving Michael Lynch, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
