New York State Assemblyman Bill Nojay, a conservative lawmaker from the Rochester area, has died of a self-inflicted gunshot. The Pittsford Republican, who was facing a primary on Tuesday, was 59. He was first elected to the chamber in 2012 and also hosted a radio show. Nojay was facing a primary challenge as he sought a third term. His Democratic opponent has suspended campaigning for now. Assembly GOP Leader Brian Kolb expressed sadness and shock.
“I’m just almost speechless,” said Kolb, who said he considered Nojay a friend as well as a colleague. “Not only do I feel bad, but I’m sure what’s even more tragic is what his family is dealing with right now.”
Nojay, who was also involved in international democracy movements, as well as international business deals, was accused of fraud in connection with a venture in Cambodia, which he brushed off earlier this year as nothing more than a lawsuit.
The New York Daily News reports that Nojay had been scheduled to turn himself in to the FBI Friday morning relating to the fraud charges.
Nojay, an avid supporter of Donald Trump, was a popular politician in Albany, with friends on both sides of the aisle. Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie says he “cannot express how saddened" he is to learn of Nojay’s death.
Here is the official word from police in Rochester:
The Rochester Police Department confirms that New York State Assemblyman William Nojay, age 59, of Pittsford , New York died today in Riverside Cemetery located at 2650 Lake Avenue, Rochester New York.
The cause of death was an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
This incident was witnessed by a Rochester New York Police Officer who responded to a call for a “check the welfare” of an individual at that location.
The call for service that came into the Office of Emergency Communications Department occurred at 9:20 AM., it was dispatched at 9:22 AM., the officer arrived on scene at 9:26 AM.
The Rochester Police Department extends its sympathy to the members of the Nojay family.
