A New York City cathedral’s annual Christmas concert turned chaotic after a gunman opened fire with reportedly more than 20 shots before being fatally shot by police.
“It was just beautiful, and then, at the end, this person started shooting. Everybody is in shock,” said Lisa Schubert, a cathedral spokeswoman. “The shooter could have killed a lot of people. There were hundreds of people here, and he shot at least 20 times.”
The gunshots were first reported at 3:45 p.m. on the front steps of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, police said. Witnesses say the man fired more than a dozen shots “indiscriminately in the air” as attendees scattered from the scene.
“It is horrible that our choir’s gift to New York City, a much-needed afternoon of song and unity, was cut short by this shocking act of violence,” cathedral spokeswoman Iva Benson said.
When police arrived at the scene, they fatally shot the suspect, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said.
Police believe that the gunman was attempting to get shot by police, and witnesses said he could be heard yelling for police to shoot him.
“The shooter said, ‘Just shoot me! Shoot me! Kill me! Kill me!’ He kept daring the police officer to do so,” witness Judy Romer said. “I ran as fast as I could, but only after the other people ran. I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn’t believe it.”
Three officers responded to the incident and fired 15 rounds at the suspect, striking him in the head. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The gunman brought two handguns, knives, rope, wire, a full can of gasoline, and a Bible with him to the cathedral. Investigators are still unsure of a motive or what he planned to do with the items.
Police did not identify the gunman but said he had a lengthy criminal record.
