Full Breakdown
Fatal Police Shooting After Knife Attack on NYPD Officer in Brooklyn
9/8/2025, 12:01:15 AM
Incident Overview
Early Sunday morning, September 7, 2025, a man was shot and killed by New York City police officers after he allegedly attacked an officer with a 14-inch butcher knife at the 73rd Precinct station house in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The incident began around 5:24 a.m. when the unidentified man attempted to enter the precinct through a locked front door. After failing to gain entry, he proceeded to the rear of the building, where he entered through a door designated for police personnel only.
Attack on Officer
Upon entering, the man was confronted by a female officer who instructed him to use the front entrance if he needed assistance. In response, he produced the butcher knife and slashed her in the face. The officer managed to fend him off, but he fled the precinct, prompting a foot pursuit by several officers. An officer attempted to use a stun gun to subdue him, but it was ineffective.
Pursuit and Shooting
The suspect ran several blocks before lunging at officers with the knife. In response to this threat, multiple officers discharged their firearms, striking him numerous times. He was transported to Brookdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The officer who was attacked sustained what were described as superficial injuries and was later reported to be in good spirits.
Official Responses
NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera highlighted the dangers officers face daily, stating, “Every day our officers put on these uniforms, they encounter dangerous situations out in the street. But it's another kind of danger when someone comes directly into a precinct armed with a knife and attacks our officers.” Mayor Eric Adams also visited the injured officer, expressing gratitude for her recovery and acknowledging the risks faced by police officers.
Criticism & Opposition
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, characterized the incident as a "clear targeted attack" on police officers, emphasizing the potential danger the suspect posed to the public. He praised the officer's actions during the attack, noting her bravery in continuing the pursuit despite her injuries.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the identity of the attacker was initially not released, sources later identified him as 36-year-old Justin Coleman. There were discrepancies regarding the exact timing of the events, with some reports stating the attack occurred at 5:30 a.m. rather than 5:24 a.m. Additionally, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This situation could have turned out very differently,” — Philip Rivera, NYPD Chief of Patrol
- “Thank God our sister is on the road to recovery, but this was a clear targeted attack on New York City police officers.” — Patrick Hendry, President of the Police Benevolent Association
- “lunged at an officer with the knife extended toward that officer,” — Philip Rivera, NYPD Chief of Patrol
The NYPD Force Investigation Division is currently reviewing the incident, which was captured on body camera footage and surveillance cameras in the area.
