An off-duty US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent was shot during a robbery attempt late Saturday night in New York City’s Riverside Park. Police said the attack appeared random and was not linked to the agent’s official duties.
Incident Details
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the CBP agent was sitting near the water in Manhattan when two men approached him on a scooter. One of them pointed a gun at the agent to rob him. In response, the agent pulled out his own weapon, leading to a gunfight between both sides. During the shootout, the agent was shot in the face and forearm, while one of the suspects was also injured. Both attackers managed to escape after the exchange of fire.
UPDATE: footage shows two assailants, one an illegal alien with criminal charges, ambushing and shooting a @CBP officer yesterday in New York City. pic.twitter.com/m4BHRjhXpD
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 20, 2025
Suspect Identified
Police identified 21-year-old Miguel Mora as a person of interest in the case. He was found with gunshot injuries and taken to Bronx Care Hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that Mora’s injuries matched those seen on the CCTV footage of the incident. He is currently under police custody at Lincoln Hospital after surgery and is expected to face arrest soon.
Trump’s Reaction
US President Donald Trump reacted strongly to the incident. He posted on Truth Social, “Last night, in New York City, an incredible CBP Officer was shot in the face by an Illegal Alien Monster freed into the Country under Joe Biden. He was apprehended at the Border in April 2023 but, instead of being deported, was RELEASED. The CBP Officer bravely fought off his attacker, despite his wounds, demonstrating enormous Skill and Courage.”
Suspect’s Background
Commissioner Tisch revealed that Mora is in the US illegally. He had crossed the US-Mexico border through Arizona in 2023. Mora has a criminal record that includes two arrests for domestic violence. He also has an active warrant due to missing a court appearance. In addition, Mora is wanted for a robbery case from December 2024 and a stabbing incident from January 2025.
CCTV Footage Crucial for Investigation
The entire incident was caught on surveillance cameras, which helped investigators track down Mora as the suspected shooter. His arrival at the hospital with gunshot wounds supported the evidence from the video footage.
Agent’s Condition
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he visited the wounded CBP agent in the hospital. However, the agent’s current medical condition has not been made public yet.
Mora remains in police custody as the investigation continues.