2 in custody after off-duty CBP officer shot in NYC, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says
By
,
An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was shot late Saturday night during an attempted robbery at a park in New York City, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Sunday.
The shooting happened shortly after 11:50 p.m. Saturday near the historic Little Red Lighthouse at Riverside Park in Washington Heights. The scene is located under the George Washington Bridge on the Manhattan side.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem shared an update on the investigation Monday. She said she met with the wounded officer and his family and announced a second person has been taken into custody.
"We're lifting that family up in prayer, we're going to walk alongside them, but also we're going to double down and make sure that these criminal illegal aliens are not only off our streets but they're out of our country," Noem said.
Off-duty CBP officer recovering after NYC shooting
New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch for an update Sunday afternoon. He said the 42-year-old off-duty officer was in the park with a friend when two suspects pulled up on a moped.
"One male dismounted the scooter, displayed a firearm and approached the two who were just trying to enjoy the city, like so many of us do during the hot evening hour," Adams said.
The officer was shot in the face and forearm, and he returned fire, Adams said. He was rushed to NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem in stable condition and is expected to survive his injuries. Officials say he is communicating through hand gestures.
"I just visited the officer as he makes his recovery. His mom and his family members were there, and they thanked the city for their response," Adams said.
Francis Russo, the director of field operations for Customs and Border Protection, said the NYPD's quick response to an area that is hard to reach helped saved the federal officer's life.
"We expect him to make a speedy recovery, and our hearts go out to him and his family," said Russo.
Adams said the person of interest walked into Bronx Care Hospital at 12:18 a.m. with gunshot wounds to his groin and leg. He was transferred to Lincoln Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
"The NYPD is working hand-in-hand with Customs and Border Protection through the HSI Violent Gang Taskforce to confirm that the person of interest in custody is the perp who shot the officer, as well as find and apprehend his accomplice," Tisch said.
She added it does not appear the officer was targeted because of his occupation.
Police said they recovered shell casings and blood at the scene that is being processed for DNA evidence.
Person of interest had order for deportation, according to DHS
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the first person of interest taken into custody entered the country illegally and had an order for deportation.
Adams said the 21-year-old was wanted in connection with a robbery in the Bronx last December and a stabbing in January, and that he has prior arrests for assault and violating an order of protection. Authorities said he also had an extradition warrant from Massachusetts for kidnapping.
"In less than one year, he has inflicted violence in our city. And once he is charged for last night's crime, we will be able to add attempted murder to his rap sheet," said Adams. "This individual also had an extradition warrant from Massachusetts for kidnapping and was the subject of a federal deportation order after illegally entering the country in 2023."
Tisch identified the person of interest as Miguel Mora.
"He is currently in our custody at Lincoln Hospital and is expected to be arrested today," Tisch said.
President Trump took to social media and blamed the attack on a flawed immigration system run by Democrats, writing, in part, "He was apprehended at the border in April 2023 but, instead of being deported, was released. The CBP officer bravely fought off his attacker, despite his wounds, demonstrating enormous skill and courage."
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said on social media, "This violent criminal never should've been on our streets. This is exactly why we fight every day to secure this nation."
Adams said he spoke with the president's border czar, Tom Homan, who was on his way to New York City.
"Shocked and surprised"
People out exercising along the Hudson River Greenway early Sunday morning said they were shocked to see the crime scene.
"It's very concerning. I was coming down here on the Greenway and I saw the crime scene," Englewood, New Jersey resident Marcelo Candeo said. "I'm very shocked and surprised. I hope he's doing well and he gets a full recovery. I'm very shocked."
"This is the most peaceful part of New York I can find, so it's a shock to hear that anything like this happened," Kips Bay resident Kovan Pillai said. "I have no idea what this place is like late at night. I imagine, now that you tell me this, that it's probably not the safest of places to be."
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip . All calls are kept confidential.
