A man was fatally shot in the head by police on the steps of a landmark New York City cathedral Sunday afternoon after he began firing two semiautomatic handguns at the end of a Christmas choral concert.
Police say a detective, a sergeant and an officer fired 15 rounds after the man started shooting just before 4 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, mother church of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
Witnesses told police the man was yelling "kill me" as he fired. The man's name was withheld pending positive identification.
According to police, the man had a lengthy criminal history and was carrying a bag containing a can of gasoline, rope, wire, knives and a Bible.
The 45-minute concert had just concluded, and people were starting to walk away when a series of shots was heard, sending people running down Amsterdam Avenue screaming and diving to the sidewalk.
Before the gunfire began, the concert featured members of the cathedral choir standing far apart on the stone steps wearing masks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It wasn't clear if the gunman was aiming at people or firing in the air.
The cathedral is one of the world's largest. Construction began in 1892 and is still incomplete. The church has been connected to many New York luminaries and notable events over its long history.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a trustee. It hosted the memorial services for puppeteer Jim Henson and choreographer Alvin Ailey, and speakers over the years including South Africa's Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Coronavirus , Infectious diseases , Diseases and conditions , Health , Coronavirus , Lung disease , 2019-2020 Coronavirus pandemic , Shootings , Violent crime , Crime , General news , Choirs and choruses , Music , Entertainment , Arts and entertainment
People:
Jim Henson , Nelson Mandela , Desmond Tutu , Alvin Ailey
Locations:
New York , United States , North America , New York City
