Shooting Suspect Killed by Police in Front of New York City Church

A suspect is dead after opening fire outside a New York City church yesterday afternoon. The incident broke out moments after a Christmas concert ended on the front steps of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Harlem. Two NYPD officers and a sergeant who were present at the time were able to return fire. The man, who was reportedly in his 50’s, was shot in the head and pronounced dead at a hospital later in the day. Fortunately, no one else in attendance was injured. Two semi-automatic firearms were recovered from the scene. A bag believed to belong to the suspect was also found. It contained a full can of gasoline, wire, rope, multiple knives and a bible. As the NYPD continues to investigate and review body camera footage, the suspect’s motive remains unclear. According to witnesses, he was yelling the phrase “kill me” just prior to his death.