Two Assailants Killed by NYPD Officers…
Two assailants were shot at and killed by NYPD officers in Queens and Brooklyn respectively after exchanging gunfire on Saturday, July 9th. The incidents are reported to have taken place simultaneously within the boroughs.
According to reports, around 6 p.m on Saturday, a man placed two 911 calls in Queens, making numerous threats against several people.
NYPD Chief of Patrol Jeffrey Maddrey stated that the suspect made threats against the Governor of New York Kathy Hochul, several elected officials, and police officers.
Maddrey also stated that the man threatened to “blow the head off” any police officers that responded to his call.
After police officers arrived at the suspect’s home, on 116th Ave, they observed that a man was in possession of a firearm, which he pointed at the officers.
The incident turned deadly when gunfire was exchanged between the man and six police officers. The unidentified gunman died from the exchange of gunfire between himself and the police officers.
Maddrey held a press conference in Queens after the shooting. He claimed that at his estimation, at least 100 rounds had been fired in the incident.
Around 7:30 p.m on the same night, a gold Nissan was stopped by police officers in downtown Brooklyn on Flatbush Avenue and Nevins Street.
The Nissan was stopped for a traffic violation. According to reports, when the NYPD officers ordered the occupants of the vehicle to get out, one of the occupants disembarked and ran off on foot.
This resulted in a chase in which the occupant of the vehicle allegedly opened fire into the street at the police officers chasing him. The officers fired back in self-defense, striking him in the chest. The man is reported to have died.
Still on Assailants Killed by NYPD Officers…
Mayor Eric Adams emphatically agreed with the NYPD officers’ reaction to both incidents. Adams said the reaction was justified and necessary because if the officers had not returned fire at the suspects in both cases, innocent lives could have been affected.
Adams’ assessment was based on the bodycam footage he watched from both incidents. “These tapes, I think if the public starts to see the footage – you would be shocked what these ladies and gentlemen are doing every day,” said Adams.
The man who was shot in Queens had a history of mental illness and Adams was quizzed on whether the police were correct in shooting at him considering that medical history.
“Heck yes,” Adams said. “The guy called 911 and, as the investigation is going to show, he said some things that clearly advertised violence. Those officers responded, a gun was displayed, and from my preliminary review, rounds were discharged.”
The two shootings would most likely be investigated by Attorney General Letitia James’ office. The AG’s office has the authority to involve cases in which police officers have killed a civilian.
New York City is still experiencing a high level and frequency of shootings. Shootings have regularly occurred in various locations around the city.
Though shootings are nearly occurring daily, statistics show that as of Saturday, July 9th, there have been 701 incidents of gun violence with 842 victims compared to the same period last year, which saw 791 shootings with 915 victims.