Kris Boyd, a cornerback for the New York Jets, exited a well-known Manhattan restaurant shortly before being shot. Sources mentioned that he left with two fellow players because he sensed something off about the environment inside.
According to police, the 29-year-old Boyd was shot twice in the abdomen shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday. He is currently in critical but stable condition at Bellevue Hospital, although he wasn’t identified right away.
Boyd had been enjoying a night out at Say Less, an Asian fusion spot frequented by celebrities.
Witnesses reported that Boyd expressed concerns about the “atmosphere” and noticed tension among groups arguing in the restaurant.
It’s still unclear who exactly was accompanying Boyd that night, and the Jets organization hasn’t responded to requests for more information.
A team representative did note that they are aware of the situation involving Boyd but offered no further details.
Outside Say Less, the street was packed when shots were fired into the crowd. It’s not known if Boyd was the intended target.
Police have obtained surveillance footage showing a car with Michigan plates fleeing the scene. The driver reportedly crashed into a barrier while someone inside shot into the crowd.
Another car, a BMW X6 SUV, followed and also crashed through a fence as it sped away.
Suspects eventually escaped in a luxury Mercedes-Benz Maybach and a BMW, both bearing out-of-state license plates.
It has been reported that Say Less is not cooperating with police and has declined to hand over any available security footage.
Boyd’s close friend, Ernest Quander, shared that Boyd is “in good shape” and “doing really well” after the shooting. Quander expressed confidence in Boyd’s resilience, saying, “He’s a soldier who’s been through tough times.”
Boyd had been placed on the Jets’ injured reserve list due to a shoulder injury suffered during the preseason.
This year marked Boyd’s debut with the Jets following short stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. He began his NFL career as a draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, where he played for four years.
