CBP officer shot Washington Heights: 2nd suspect in custody after taking pictures of Border Patrol agent in NYC park

HARLEM, New York (WABC) — An off-duty Customs and Border Safety officer who was shot within the face is recovering after an obvious botched theft in Fort Washington Park on Saturday.

Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem introduced in a press convention Monday morning {that a} second suspect was in custody in connection to the incident below the George Washington Bridge.

Officers had beforehand introduced the arrest of 21-year-old Miguel Mora, who they are saying was within the nation illegally and has a historical past of violence in latest months.

Noem mentioned Mora was in the US illegally, regardless of having been ordered deported again to the Dominican Republic two years in the past.

Mayor Eric Adams says the suspect is strictly the kind of particular person the town is cooperating with the federal authorities to try to seize.

“In New York Metropolis, this 21-year-old male has prior arrests for assault and violated an order of safety. On the time of this taking pictures, he had an lively bench warrant within the Bronx. He was needed for a theft from final December and a stabbing from January. A theft from final December and a stabbing in January,” Adams mentioned. “The violent migrant and asylum seekers who’re bringing violence, that actually tarnishes the repute of those that come to this nation to pursue the American Dream.”

Nevertheless, Noem criticized Adams on Monday.

“What number of extra lives will it take, what number of extra individuals should be harm and victimized earlier than we’ve public security be a primary precedence in a few of our largest cities,” Noem mentioned. “After I have a look at what Mayor Adams has accomplished to New York Metropolis, it breaks my coronary heart to see the households which have suffered due to his insurance policies.”

Video of the incident launched by the Division of Homeland safety reveals two males method the 42-year-old officer on a moped, with a feminine companion pulling out a gun.

The off-duty officer pulled out his service weapon however the gunman shot him within the face and arm. The officer fired again, hitting the gunman’s leg.

Officers say Mora checked right into a Bronx hospital following the taking pictures with gunshot wounds to his legs and groin space.

“Our officer is a hero. He did precisely what we ask of all of our officers below the circumstances,” mentioned Customs and Border Safety Director of Discipline Operations Frank Russo.

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