Syracuse Cop Fatally Shot Donnell Hogan: Report Clear, Charges Dropped

New York – A chilling scene unfolded in Syracuse on the night of May 13, 2025, as Donnell Hogan met his fate at the hands of a police officer. The New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has now released its report, clearing the officer and dropping all criminal charges against him.

The OSI conducted a comprehensive investigation into Hogan’s death, which included an exhaustive review of body-cam footage, statements from involved officers, 911 calls, witness interviews, and a meticulous legal analysis. The conclusion: a trial prosecutor would not be able to disprove the officer’s actions as unjustified beyond a reasonable doubt.

That night, Syracuse Police Department (SPD) officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment building on North Townsend Street. Upon arrival, they were informed that a man in a wheelchair was shooting inside. Officers divided into two teams, each taking separate stairwells to reach the second floor where Hogan was reportedly located.

The first team encountered Hogan in his wheelchair in the hallway, unable to see his hands. They shouted, “show your hands!” moments before Hogan, with his right hand, raised a gun and fired towards them. The lead officer from the first team returned fire, fatally striking Hogan. A pistol was recovered at the scene.

Under New York law, police officers are allowed to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend against another’s use of deadly force. In this instance, with Hogan’s non-compliance and subsequent shooting, the OSI determined that the officer’s actions were justified under the circumstances.

The grim details of this case underscore the complexities of police shootings and the critical role legal analysis plays in determining whether charges should be brought against officers involved in such tragic incidents. For now, this chapter closes with no criminal charges to be pursued against the officer involved in Hogan’s death.