NYPD officer convicted for using banned chokehold

Omar Habib, an NYPD officer, has been convicted in Bronx Supreme Court for his role in an incident involving a prohibited chokehold. Habib, who joined the department in 2007, was found guilty of second-degree strangulation, third-degree assault, and unlawful methods of restraint.

The conviction marks the first time an officer has been prosecuted under a New York City law passed following the death of George Floyd, which criminalizes the use of chokeholds and certain other restraint methods. The incident occurred on July 28, 2023, at a Bronx catering hall while officers were attempting to arrest Lord Nymaah, who was described as drunk and disorderly.

Prosecutors stated that Habib applied a chokehold so tight that it impeded the man’s breathing and circulation, causing him to lose consciousness. Habib has been dismissed from the NYPD and faces up to seven years in prison. He was ordered held without bail following the verdict.