Police have taken Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a 21-year-old man, into custody as a person of interest in connection with a recent shooting incident. Commissioner Tisch reported that Mr. Mora arrived at a hospital in the Bronx shortly after the attempted robbery, bearing gunshot wounds to his groin and leg. These injuries are believed to align with those of the individual who shot a police officer, as captured in video evidence. Following surgery, Mora remains in custody at Lincoln Hospital and is expected to face arrest on Sunday.
Authorities revealed that Mr. Mora entered the United States illegally in 2023 through Arizona. He has a history of arrests, including twice for domestic violence in New York, and there is an active warrant for his arrest due to his absence from a court date related to one of those charges. In addition to his current legal troubles, Mora is also being sought for involvement in a Bronx robbery from December and a stabbing incident in January. Furthermore, he is accused of participating in a pawnshop robbery in Massachusetts in February, during which firearms were taken.
During a Sunday news conference, Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the issue of gun proliferation in the city and expressed concerns over “violent migrants and asylum seekers.” He noted that the current incident casts a negative light on migrants who do not engage in violence. Mayor Adams stressed the need for swift action against those who threaten public safety, emphasizing that violence can impact both documented and undocumented residents alike.
In comments on social media, Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, indicated that Mr. Mora is originally from the Dominican Republic and had been previously released after being taken into custody near the Mexico border in April 2023.
This situation underscores ongoing debates about immigration, public safety, and the prevalence of gun violence in urban areas. It serves as a reminder that addressing the complexities of these issues requires collaborative efforts among law enforcement, community leaders, and policymakers to ensure a safe environment for all residents.