Off-duty federal agent injured while foiling a robbery in Manhattan

NEW YORK. – In an incident that occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday, an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent was shot in the face and arm while accompanied by a woman in Fort Washington Park, under the George Washington Bridge. Two individuals on a motorcycle approached the scene. The rear occupant dismounted, aimed a weapon with the intention of robbery, and opened fire on the officer. The latter, in a reflex action, drew his service weapon and repelled the attack, causing the aggressor to be injured. Both suspects fled on the motorcycle, leaving a scene of chaos and alarm. The New York Police Department reported that at least one person is in custody: the alleged shooter, identified as Miguel Francisco Mora Núñez, 21, who entered the country without papers in 2023 and has multiple criminal records —domestic violence, robbery, and assaults, in addition to outstanding arrest warrants in New York and Massachusetts—.

The suspect was transported to BronxCare Hospital with injuries consistent with the images captured by security cameras. He underwent surgery and was subsequently taken into police custody at Lincoln Medical Center.

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The authorities confirmed that the agent is in stable condition and is receiving medical attention. His identity was not revealed, although it was detailed that he communicates through gestures while hospitalized. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that there is no evidence that the victim was attacked for their official role and that they only responded in self-defense. A second suspect, presumed to be the motorcycle’s companion, has also been arrested and will be presented in federal court in Manhattan. It is being investigated whether both individuals previously participated in other criminal incidents in the area.

The event has provoked immediate reactions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attributed the event to New York’s “sanctuary city” policies and promised to intensify the presence of federal agencies in the city. Former President Donald Trump also spoke out, pointing out that the aggression is a sign of the failure of the current immigration management.

For their part, Mayor Eric Adams and Commissioner Tisch agreed in calling the agent’s behavior heroic and stated that, despite the injuries, his actions were able to prevent greater harm