NEW YORK - Thursdsay night's powerful thunderstorms proved fatal for a state official. 

Assistant Attorney General Richard Schwartz was killed while walking past a church in Cobble Hill, when lightning apparently knocked loose some masonry blocks, causing scaffolding to collapse, striking him.  He died later at a local hospital.

"I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Assistant Attorney General Richard Schwartz who was tragically killed last night as a result of the storm", said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.  "For over 25 years, Richard served the people of New York State with integrity as an expert antitrust lawyer in the Office of the Attorney General's economic justice division. New York is a better place because of Richard's commitment to fairness and legal excellence. Richard's loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn the untimely loss of one of our own."