Armed Patient Fatally Shot by Police at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Hospital

By Yisroel R.

An armed patient who barricaded himself inside NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, which is very close to Boro Park where many heimishe Yidden frequently use the hospital, was fatally shot by police Thursday evening following a tense standoff, according to the NYPD.

Police said they received multiple 911 calls at approximately 5:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon reporting that a man armed with a sharp object had barricaded himself inside a hospital room on the eighth floor with other individuals. Callers reported the suspect had cut himself, attempted to injure others, and threatened to kill hospital staff.

Officers arrived at the hospital within minutes and were directed by staff to the barricaded room. “When they got to the room, they saw blood all over the walls, floor, and splattered across the exterior of the door,” said NYPD Chief Charles Minch, commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. Police said a patient in his 70s and a member of the hospital’s security team were trapped inside the room with the suspect.

According to police, the suspect repeatedly ignored commands to drop the weapon and was seen stepping into the doorway holding a blood-covered object. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation for several minutes. Tasers were deployed but were ineffective. Police said officers later discharged their weapons after the suspect again advanced toward them with the sharp object. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said the suspect was 62 years old and had been admitted to the hospital the previous day. His identity has not yet been released. The weapon was recovered, though investigators have not yet confirmed exactly what it was or how it entered the hospital.

In a statement addressing the incident, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, “Last night’s shootings at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is devastating to all New Yorkers. I know many are eager for answers. The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation - I will work with Commissioner Jessica Tisch to ensure this is as thorough and swift as possible.”

Police confirmed the incident was captured on body cameras and remains under internal investigation.