In a recent incident at a New York City subway station, two police officers opened fire on a man holding a knife, leading to widespread controversy and debate over the officers' use of lethal force. The incident, captured on footage released by the NYPD, shows the man standing still with his arms by his side and his back to a train when he was shot. The man, Derell Mickles, was hit by the gunfire, along with a bystander who suffered critical injuries.

Police officials have defended the officers' actions, stating that they resorted to deadly force after Mickles allegedly "charged" at one of them and attempts to deescalate the situation with Tasers had failed. However, critics argue that the video evidence contradicts the police's version of events, with an attorney representing the injured bystander's family calling it a "gross mischaracterization." The footage shows Mickles standing his ground, refusing to drop the knife, before being shot by the officers.

Mickles, who was facing charges including attempted aggravated assault on a police officer and weapons possession, appeared in court from his hospital bed and pleaded not guilty. His lawyer highlighted his client's severe condition as a result of the shooting and questioned the disproportionate use of force by the police. Meanwhile, police reform advocates have condemned the incident, pointing to systemic issues in policing and mental health crisis response.