NEW YORK, NY – A recent incident at Columbia University involved an NYPD Emergency Service Unit officer inadvertently firing his weapon inside Hamilton Hall while using a weapon-mounted light. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed that the discharge occurred during an operation to clear the hall of protesters, although no students were in the immediate vicinity, and no injuries were reported.

According to the NYPD, the officer was attempting to illuminate a barricaded area using a firearm equipped with a flashlight when the weapon discharged accidentally, striking a nearby wall. This incident is now under review by the DA’s Police Accountability Unit.

Weapon-mounted lights are valuable tools for law enforcement, concealed carriers and home defense because they allow for clear identification and target acquisition in low-light conditions. However, they also carry inherent risks, especially when used as the primary source of light. The design of some light activation switches, which may be located near the trigger, can lead to unintentional discharges if not operated carefully.

Reflecting on this incident and similar past events, it becomes apparent that while weapon-mounted lights serve a critical role in tactical operations, they must be used with caution. Homeowners and officers alike should be trained extensively on the safe operation of these devices. For general illumination, it is safer to use handheld lights or to reflect the beam of a weapon-mounted light off surfaces like floors or ceilings to avoid directly pointing the weapon at non-threats.

Read the original story: NYPD Officer Has Negligent Discharge While Using Mounted Light During Columbia University Operation