Off-duty border patrol officer shot amid attempted robbery at NYC park
An off-duty federal officer was shot, and two people are in custody, following an attempted robbery in New York City, officials said.
The unnamed US Customs and Border Protection officer was attacked at Riverside Park just before midnight on July 19, Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference.
The 42-year-old victim was in the park near the water with a friend when two men riding a scooter confronted them.
One of the perpetrators "displayed a firearm," Adams stated, adding that the suspect "fired at least two shots, striking the officer in his face and forearm." The CBP officer returned fire with his service weapon.
Video shows attempted robbery of off-duty officer
Surveillance video released by Homeland Security shows the moment the officer and the suspect in the white T-shirt exchanged gunfire.
Suspect was shot during attack then later arrested
The person of interest, identified as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, was also struck during the incident, officials said. He went to a hospital with gunshot wounds and underwent surgery.
The suspect was later arrested in connection with the shooting.
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Mora, 21, has a criminal history in New York and Massachusetts.
"Our initial investigation reveals that Mr. Mora entered the country illegally in 2023 through Arizona. This individual has two prior arrests for domestic violence in New York, and he has an active warrant for not showing up to a court date on one of those cases," Tisch stated.
"Additionally, Mr. Mora was wanted by this department on both a robbery in December 2024 and a felony assault stabbing from January 2025."
CBP officer recovering, second suspect reportedly in custody
The CBP officer, who officials hailed "for his tenacity," survived the incident and is recovering at a Manhattan-area hospital.
Mora's alleged accomplice, previously at large, has also been taken into custody on Monday, officials said.
"He will face consequences and hopefully strong prosecution for his involvement on Saturday night," the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated at a press conference on Monday morning.
According to the New York Daily News, charges against both suspects are pending.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for Paste BN. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.