New York City, NY — A 20-year-old armed suspect was shot and killed by NYPD officers on Thursday night after a disturbing series of incidents across the Upper East Side, during which he allegedly pointed his weapon at multiple people and threatened to “shoot up” Mount Sinai Hospital, authorities reported.
According to NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera, the frightening chain of events began around 7 p.m. inside an apartment building elevator near Madison Avenue between East 106th Street and East 107th Street. The young man suddenly brandished a firearm and aimed it directly at another individual sharing the elevator with him.
Suspect Terrorizes Bystanders Before Heading Toward Hospital
Police say the suspect kept the gun pointed at the victim until the elevator reached the ground floor. He then dashed out of the building and into a nearby deli on East 107th Street.
Inside the deli, he allegedly jumped behind the counter, pointed the weapon at a worker, and declared:
“Call 911 — I’m going to the hospital to shoot it up.”
Authorities say he stole the worker’s phone and continued southbound toward Mount Sinai Medical Center, reaching the facility at 7:08 p.m.
After briefly entering the hospital, the man exited, hid his gun near a tree, and reentered the building. There, he encountered an off-duty NYPD officer working private security. The suspect became disruptive and informed the officer that he had a firearm. When the officer tried to escort him outside, the suspect allegedly grabbed him, leading to a brief struggle.
Gunfire Erupts on Madison Avenue
Moments later, the suspect picked up his firearm from its hiding spot and continued walking south on Madison Avenue, as per The Post.
Responding officers caught up with him between East 95th Street and East 96th Street, where he immediately opened fire as police were stepping out of their vehicles. Several bystanders, including passengers who had just stepped off an MTA bus, were nearby.
Officers returned fire, striking the suspect in the chest and hip. He was rushed to the hospital in a police vehicle but was pronounced dead shortly after. Officials confirmed the man’s identity is being withheld pending family notification and that he had no prior criminal history.
The officers involved were also taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Community Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
Chief Rivera confirmed that the entire sequence of events was captured on surveillance footage and police body-worn cameras.
“This could have had a far more tragic outcome,” Rivera said. “This individual entered multiple locations with a gun, threatened innocent people, and fired at our officers on a crowded sidewalk.”
Local witnesses described the chaotic moments. Megan, a 29-year-old resident living near 95th Street, said she heard five rapid gunshots that “sounded like a small explosion.”
Another Upper East Side resident reported that a friend saw the suspect strolling down East 96th Street carrying the handgun openly.
One neighbor, whose name was withheld, said his doorman heard “a flurry of shots.”
“It’s terrifying, but I’m grateful the police acted fast,” he said. “They did what needed to be done.”
NYPD Praises Officers for Bravery
Vincent Vallelong, president of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association, praised the officers, stating they “saved countless lives” by responding swiftly.
“The officers did exactly what they are trained to do,” he said. “They faced extreme danger and should be commended for their actions.”
Police recovered the suspect’s firearm at the scene. The investigation remains active.
Should New York increase mental-health interventions? Are police responding appropriately to rising gun-related incidents?
