TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Town of Poughkeepsie police say they are familiar with Brian Czornyj, the man who was shot and killed by a police officer on Thursday.

According to Town of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Joseph Cavaliere, an application for an emergency risk protection order was submitted against Czornyj last year, but a judge denied it. While the investigation is ongoing, it is unclear why the ERPO was applied for and/or why it was denied.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, ERPOs are issued to prevent a person in crisis from accessing firearms.

The state attorney general's office revealed Czornyj was shot after police responded to a residence on Fair Oaks Drive for an assault complaint on June 5. Officials said one Dutchess County Mobile Crisis employee was injured and upon arrival, police noticed Czornyj and another person holding a sword. 

Paul Ackermann, president of Mental Health of America Dutchess County, said the injured employee has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering.

“Our mental health crisis team has really taken on more importance in this day in age," Ackermann said. "This is a very public incident. However, they respond to incidents like this on a daily basis."

The AG's office revealed Czornyj was holding a sword by the handle and another person was holding it by the blade; when the two wouldn't drop it, police shot Czornyj. First responders transported him to the hospital, where he died.

Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Rebecca Edwards sent the following quote to Spectrum News 1 in response to the ongoing investigation:

"This is a tragic incident and my heart goes out to the family, mental health workers, police officers, and all those affected. An automatic review is in place and the Town Police are following all protocols carefully. It’s essential to respect that process as it moves forward. Thanks to all who are working to ensure that those involved have support and care," Edwards said.