UPDATE: An off-duty Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent was shot in New York City‘s Riverside Park late Saturday during an apparent robbery, police report. The incident occurred around 11:00 PM on October 14, 2023, and has sparked an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the agent, who has not been named, was sitting by the water when two men approached on a scooter. One suspect allegedly brandished a firearm, prompting the agent to draw his weapon in self-defense. The confrontation escalated, resulting in the agent being shot in the face and forearm. He was rushed to Bronx Care Hospital and is currently in stable condition, though his exact condition remains unknown.
Police have identified Miguel Mora, a 21-year-old man, as a person of interest in the shooting. Mora is expected to face charges for his involvement, with officials stating he was injured during the altercation and sought medical attention shortly after. He is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds consistent with those inflicted during the robbery attempt.
Mayor Eric Adams visited the injured agent in the hospital, emphasizing the need for community safety and swift justice. “In less than one year, he has inflicted violence in our city,” Adams stated regarding Mora, highlighting the suspect’s troubling history with law enforcement, which includes previous arrests for domestic violence and active warrants.
The incident, captured on CCTV, has raised concerns about random violence in public spaces. Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant as the investigation unfolds. Tisch noted that the gunman and his accomplice fled the scene, prompting a citywide search for their whereabouts.
Tisch confirmed that Mora is in the United States illegally, having entered through Arizona in 2023. This revelation has ignited political discussions, with President Donald Trump labeling Mora an “Illegal Alien Monster” on social media, calling for stricter immigration measures. The incident underscores ongoing debates about crime and immigration, especially as crime statistics indicate that undocumented migrants commit fewer crimes than their natural-born counterparts.
As the investigation continues, police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The urgency of this situation reflects broader concerns about public safety and the ramifications of crime in urban areas.
Residents are urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity as authorities work diligently to apprehend the suspects involved in this shocking incident. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
