An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was shot in the face and arm during what authorities are calling an attempted robbery at a Manhattan park just before midnight.
According to The Hill, the 42-year-old Border Patrol agent was attacked at Fort Washington Park and subsequently hospitalized in stable condition after the violent encounter.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 19, when the agent was off-duty and present at the Manhattan park location. Sources indicate that the agent returned fire at his alleged attackers during the confrontation, though specific details about the exchange remain under investigation by the New York Police Department.
Federal Agent Returns Fire During Attack
New York City police responded to the scene, where they found the wounded federal officer suffering from gunshot wounds to his face and arm. Emergency medical services transported him to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition, according to official statements.
Video footage obtained from the scene appeared to show that a firearm was recovered, though authorities have not disclosed whose weapon was found. The presence of the gun suggests the serious nature of the confrontation that unfolded in the Manhattan park during the late-night hours.
Sources familiar with the investigation confirmed that the Border Patrol agent discharged his weapon at the suspected attackers during the incident. This detail indicates the agent was armed and able to defend himself despite being caught off-guard during what appears to be a targeted robbery attempt.
Suspect in Custody Has Deportation History
Police have confirmed that one person is currently in custody in connection with the shooting, though no formal charges have been filed at this time. Authorities have not released identifying details about the detained individual or indicated whether additional suspects are being sought in the case.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided a statement revealing significant details about one of the alleged perpetrators involved in the attack. The agency disclosed that one suspect was an illegal alien who had previous arrests for felony second and third-degree assault charges.
The statement further revealed that this individual had an existing order of deportation, highlighting concerns about repeat offenders remaining in the country despite prior criminal activity. This information adds a federal immigration dimension to what initially appeared to be a local crime incident.
Investigation Continues Into Park Violence
The New York Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery and shooting. Detectives are working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the violent confrontation in Fort Washington Park.
Law enforcement officials have characterized the incident as appearing to be an attempted robbery, though they continue gathering evidence and witness statements. The fact that a federal agent was targeted raises questions about whether this was a random crime or if the perpetrators specifically knew the victim's occupation.
Fort Washington Park, located in Manhattan, became the scene of this violent encounter that has drawn attention from both local and federal authorities. The park's late-night hours and secluded areas may have made it an attractive location for criminal activity targeting unsuspecting individuals.
Federal Agent Faces Recovery Process
The wounded Border Patrol agent remains hospitalized as he recovers from gunshot wounds sustained during the attack. Medical professionals are treating his facial and arm injuries, with authorities confirming his condition has stabilized following the traumatic incident.
The shooting of a federal law enforcement officer, even while off-duty, carries serious implications for both local and federal investigations. The agent's recovery will likely be closely monitored by both his agency colleagues and investigating authorities who may need his testimony.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not released additional details about the agent's identity or specific role within the organization. The agency's statement emphasized that the officer was off-duty when the attack occurred, distinguishing this from an on-duty incident.
