New York State Police investigate deadly trooper-involved shooting at campground in the Town of Cairo

Cairo, New York – State Police are investigating a deadly trooper-involved shooting that happened Monday night at a campground in the Town of Cairo.

The incident occurred around 8:22 p.m. on September 14, 2026, when New York State troopers assigned to SP Catskill were sent to the Whip-O-Will Campground at 644 Route 31. Troopers were responding to a report of an assault involving two men.

When officers arrived, they found the reported victim. The man had suffered a head injury during the alleged assault. He then directed troopers toward a nearby camper, where he said the other man involved in the incident was located.

Troopers approached the camper to investigate. According to State Police, a male subject came out of the camper carrying what appeared to be a black handgun in his right hand.

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Police said the man pointed the apparent handgun at one of the troopers and continued moving toward him.

The trooper then fired his duty weapon, striking the subject.

Troopers immediately provided medical assistance and called for emergency medical services. Despite those efforts, the subject was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.

State Police have not released the names of the people involved. Their identities are being withheld while authorities complete next of kin notifications. Police said additional information will be released in a later update.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. The case is being handled by the New York Attorney’s General’s Office along with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Catskill.

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The investigation will examine the events that led to the shooting, including the reported assault and the confrontation between the armed subject and the trooper.

Authorities have not released additional details about the firearm or the nature of the initial assault beyond the information provided in the preliminary account.

Anyone who may have information connected to the incident is being asked to contact the New York State Police at 845-344-5300.

The shooting happened at the Whip-O-Will Campground, where the investigation continued following the deadly encounter. Further details are expected to be released by authorities as the investigation progresses and family notifications are completed.