UPDATE: An off-duty Customs and Border Patrol agent was shot in New York City’s Riverside Park late Saturday night during an apparent robbery. Police confirm that the incident, which occurred around 10 PM, appeared to be random and not specifically targeted at the agent due to his occupation.
Authorities have identified Miguel Mora, a 21-year-old man, as a person of interest in the case. He is currently hospitalized with gunshot wounds and is expected to be arrested later today, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced during a press conference this morning.
Witnesses report that the CBP agent was sitting on the rocks by the water when two men approached on a scooter. One assailant dismounted and confronted the agent from behind, brandishing a firearm. As the robbery unfolded, the agent drew his own weapon. A gunfight ensued, resulting in the agent sustaining serious injuries, including gunshot wounds to his face and forearm. The gunman also sustained injuries during the exchange.
New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams, visited the agent in the hospital, although his current condition remains undisclosed. The gunman and his accomplice fled the scene, but surveillance footage allowed detectives to identify Mora as the individual responsible for the shooting.
Mora was later discovered at Bronx Care Hospital, seeking treatment for gunshot wounds consistent with those inflicted during the robbery attempt. Law enforcement sources indicate that Mora is known to authorities for a history of violent encounters and is currently in the United States illegally after entering through Arizona in 2023.
Commissioner Tisch detailed that Mora has previous arrests for domestic violence and is wanted in connection with multiple incidents, including an alleged robbery in December and an alleged stabbing in January. Tisch stated, “In less than one year, he has inflicted violence in our city. Once he is charged for last night’s crimes, we will be able to add attempted murder to his rap sheet.”
Former President Donald Trump labeled Mora as an “Illegal Alien Monster” on social media, emphasizing his administration’s focus on cracking down on undocumented immigrants involved in crime. Trump has frequently highlighted crimes committed by undocumented migrants as justification for stricter immigration policies, despite evidence suggesting that the undocumented population commits fewer crimes than natural-born citizens.
As this story develops, the public is urged to remain vigilant as police continue their investigation into the incident. The ramifications of this shooting, particularly concerning public safety and immigration policy, are expected to draw significant attention in the coming days.
Officials are actively pursuing leads and gathering additional evidence related to the shooting. For now, all eyes are on Riverside Park as law enforcement works to bring the assailants to justice.
