New York Police Shot a Gunman at the NYC Cathedral After Concert

 

Photo courtesy of Reuters

The American News

Published by: Edward Era Barbacena

New York - An unidentified gunman opened fire at the steps of NYC Cathedral church of St. John the Divine just right after the choir performance on Sunday.  The gunman was later on shot by the police.

No one was harm not struck by gunfire, thanks to the quick action and response by three officers who were present during the incident who confronted and apprehend the suspect. New York City police commissioner Dermont Shea told the reporters following the late afternoon violence at the Manhattan's west upper side.

The gunman was not identified and was shot on the head during the exchange of gunfire. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was declared dead. Shea told reporters that the police fired a total of 15 rounds at the shooter.

Police recovered a semiautomatic hand gun from the scene and a back pack from the suspect that contained a can of gasoline, several knives, tape, rope, holy scriptures and wire.

The shooting took place at the landmark cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese at New York right after 15 minutes of the conclusion of the choir performances at the cathedral steps attended by more than 200 people.

The annual Christmas concert was moved outside the cathedral where social distancing can be practiced and to avoid the risk of covid-19 infections.  The performers and audiences have either gone inside the church or left before the shooting incident took place.

There were only about less than 20 people when the gunman appeared on the steps of the cathedral shouting  "kill me" and  "shoot me," as he opened fired several times causing panic among bystanders at the church. Police officers who took cover ordered the suspect to drop his weapon before  shooting him.

Because of the pandemic there were only few audiences as compared to the previous years so no one got hurt nor struck by the gunshots.

The unidentified shooter was wearing a black winter coat, a white baseball cap and a face mask printed with Dominican flag on it as he stood wielding two handguns on each hands.  He was also carrying a back pack.