Manhattan DA charges individuals in connection with shooting of off-duty Customs and Border Patrol agent.
State prosecutors in Manhattan have formally charged two suspects in connection with the shooting of an off-duty Customs and Border Protection agent, an incident that took place on July 19 in Fort Washington Park. Miguel Mora, 21, faces multiple charges, including attempted murder in both the first and second degrees, while his alleged accomplice, Christhian Aybar, 22, is similarly charged. The 11-count indictment was unsealed in Manhattan Supreme Court and includes serious offenses such as assault, robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon.
According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the suspects were involved in a premeditated robbery scheme that involved communication via WhatsApp on the day of the shooting. They allegedly entered the park on a moped around 11:45 p.m. and first targeted a 39-year-old woman seated on a bench, forcibly taking her phone.
The assailants then proceeded to a nearby jetty, where they encountered the off-duty agent, who was spending time with a companion. In a dramatic turn of events, Mora allegedly dismounted the moped, approached the agent stealthily, and brandished a firearm. When confronted, the agent drew his own weapon, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The agent sustained injuries to his face, hand, and wrist but has since been discharged from the hospital. Mora was reportedly injured in the thigh and groin as a result of the confrontation.
Following the shooting, Aybar is accused of transporting Mora to a Bronx emergency room, where he was subsequently apprehended. Aybar was taken into custody by federal authorities the following day. Both individuals face additional federal charges being prosecuted by the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan. Mora is charged with possession of ammunition, while Aybar is implicated as an accessory after the fact due to his alleged role as a getaway driver.
Despite inquiries about Mora’s health, Bragg refrained from divulging specific details but praised the off-duty agent for his prompt and courageous response to the attack. The District Attorney emphasized the importance of the agent’s quick thinking in averting further potential harm.
Mora and Aybar are scheduled for arraignment in Supreme Court the week of August 18. The case has garnered attention, particularly as it comes amidst discussions led by immigration authorities regarding violent crime in sanctuary cities—an assertion being contested given recent statistics from the NYPD, which indicate that citywide shootings are at historically low levels.
The circumstances surrounding this incident highlight ongoing debates about crime, immigration, and public safety in urban America. As the case progresses, it will likely continue to attract scrutiny from both legal and community perspectives.
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