Federal Charges Filed in Shooting of Customs Officer

Two undocumented immigrants are facing federal charges in connection with the shooting of a U.S. Customs border guard, who was shot in the face during a violent robbery in Manhattan, officials reported on Thursday.

Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, 21, has been charged with firearm possession as an illegal immigrant, while 22-year-old Christian Ebal Velour from the Dominican Republic has been charged as an accessory following the shooting that occurred on July 19, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Mora Nunez allegedly shot a 42-year-old officer, who returned fire during the altercation at Washington Park, while Velour is accused of assisting in the robbery.

“It’s unsettling,” remarked a witness. “To think something like this could happen in a park.” Authorities have emphasized that gun violence is intolerable, and they are committed to prosecuting anyone who endangers the safety of New York residents and law enforcement personnel.

Police reports indicate that the federal agent was with a female companion, seated on a rock along the Hudson River in Upper Manhattan when the incident took place.

In a brief confrontation, one of the suspects, riding a moped, fired at the officer, striking him in the face and injuring his forearm. As the agent drew his weapon, he engaged the suspect, firing multiple shots in response before the assailants fled.

Sources indicate that Mora was also injured in the confrontation. Surveillance footage released by DHS captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing one suspect dismounting the moped and approaching the Customs officer before firing.

This situation remains fluid; updates will continue to emerge as more details come to light.