Full Breakdown
Off-Duty NYPD Officers Involved in Shooting During Attempted Robbery at Penn Station
9/25/2025, 9:01:27 PM
Incident Overview
On September 24, 2025, at approximately 7 p.m., an off-duty New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer shot a 32-year-old man, Jahmar Stewart, during an attempted robbery at Penn Station in Manhattan. The incident occurred on a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) platform between tracks 18 and 19, as the officer and her husband, also an off-duty NYPD officer, were preparing to board a train after their shift at the United Nations General Assembly.
Sequence of Events
According to law enforcement sources, the attempted robbery began on the train and escalated onto the platform. Stewart allegedly attempted to rob the male officer, leading to a physical altercation. During the struggle, the female officer drew her firearm and shot Stewart in the arm and abdomen. He was subsequently transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. Both officers sustained minor injuries; the male officer suffered a cut to his ear.
Charges and Background of the Suspect
Jahmar Stewart has been charged with attempted robbery and assault. He has a criminal history that includes five prior arrests, primarily for assault and menacing, with his most recent arrest occurring in August 2025 for an alleged assault in a Brooklyn shelter where he resides. It remains unclear if Stewart was armed during the attempted robbery, although police are investigating whether he simulated having a weapon.
Impact on Commuters and Transit Operations
The shooting caused significant disruption at Penn Station, leading to the cancellation of at least two LIRR trains bound for Ronkonkoma and Long Beach. Commuters expressed shock at witnessing the incident, which unfolded during the busy evening rush hour. Despite the police activity, NJ Transit and Amtrak services were reported to be running on or close to schedule shortly after the incident.
Official Statements & Responses
The NYPD has advised the public to avoid the vicinity of West 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues due to ongoing investigations. They also indicated that the situation was being handled with a heavy police presence at the scene.
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident has drawn attention to the challenges of public safety in transit hubs, some critics have raised concerns about the implications of armed officers engaging in confrontations in crowded areas. The potential for collateral damage in such scenarios remains a point of contention among community advocates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The shooting came as quite a shock for a trainload of commuters bound for Ronkonkoma, who watched stunned, as police tended to the bleeding suspect in the middle of the platform.” — Law Enforcement Official
- “Police say it appeared that it may have started on the train and then spilled out on the platform.” — Law Enforcement Official
- “Due to a police investigation, please avoid the vicinity of West 34th Street between 8th and 7th Avenues,” — NYPD Statement
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
