A recently fired computer repair shop employee shot his former boss in New York City's Upper West Side neighborhood on Wednesday and fled into the subway system to avoid police. Authorities say the incident happened around 9:20 a.m. at West 69th Street and Columbus Avenue.
The attacker, reportedly an outside employee at Lincoln Business Machines Incorporated, was recently fired from his position, according to a report in The New York Post. Witnesses claim the former employee, a man in his 40s, confronted his ex-employer on the street near the store, shooting twice: once in the shoulder and then in the leg. The victim, a 47-year-old man, was immediately transported to St. Luke's Hospital where he remains in stable condition, the report said.
After the shooting, the suspect ran into the nearby 72nd Street subway station and hid under a stopped train. “It was all about the situation at work,” one resident told The New York Post, adding that the attacker's grievances reportedly involved financial disagreements with his former employer. “It was something about money and something about being cheated or wronged… It was terrifying.”
“I heard 15 loud bangs,” one resident told CBS News. Another witness recalled, “I was actually half asleep and I heard ten gunshots.” A stray bullet struck the door of a nearby apartment complex. “We moved into this building a month and a half ago and found it to be a very safe environment,” said a resident of the building.
During the search, Metro passengers experienced significant disruptions, with one train being evacuated. A video shared on social media captured commuters crouching on the ground and exiting through darkened tunnels. A passenger posted on X (formerly Twitter): “My super fun subway ride to work this morning!! I love the C train!!! There's nothing like an active shooter on the train to wake you up for the day!”
my super fun metro ride to work this morning!! love the C train!!! There's nothing like an active shooter on the train to wake you up for the day! pic.twitter.com/C173IdfxOB
— joyceepoo (@joyceepoo1) November 7, 2024
According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the C trains were temporarily suspended in both directions, while the A and D trains experienced severe delays. Other lines, including the B and E, were also affected.
The gunman, still at large, was last seen wearing a black hoodie, green jacket, tan pants and carrying a black firearm, The New York Post report said.