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Federal security agents – not the NYPD — first apprehended accused serial stabber, officials say
By
Charles Lane
Published Nov 21, 2024
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Courtesy Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Charles Lane
Published Nov 21, 2024
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Federal security agents were the ones who apprehended a man accused of stabbing three people Monday, law enforcement officials said, despite Mayor Eric Adams only crediting the NYPD for the arrest earlier this week.
Officials with the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service told Gothamist that agents assigned to protect a foreign diplomat drew their weapons and ordered the alleged killer, Ramon Rivera, to the ground. The officials said Rivera was only handed to the NYPD after he was detained.
This version of events contrasts with Adams’ statements after the incident where he blamed a justice system “that continues to fail New Yorkers,” and praised his own department.
The spree left three New Yorkers dead and put city residents on edge until the suspect was in custody. Rivera, 51, allegedly stabbed a 36-year-old construction worker in the abdomen on West 19th on Monday morning. Two hours later, he allegedly stabbed a 68-year-old man on East 30th Street. About a half hour later, officials say Rivera stabbed a 36-year-old woman multiple times near the United Nations at East 42nd Street.
That’s when federal agents said they apprehended him. But that’s not how the mayor described it.
Hours after the incident, Adams praised Officer Robert Garvey for “putting himself in harm’s way.”
“If Officer Garvey was not there, these random acts of violence, this person conceivably would have continued,” Adams said. “He saved the lives of fellow New Yorkers.”
State Department officials said two of their agents drew weapons and ordered Rivera to the ground. They said Rivera complied and only then did Garvey arrived to put Rivera in handcuffs.
NYPD Assistant Commissioner Carlos Nieves confirmed that a State Department agent made first contact with Rivera with his weapon drawn, but only a few seconds before Garvey. He said Garvey’s body camera captured a federal agent giving Rivera commands as Garvey was running toward the scene.
“The initial contact was with someone in a suit,” he said, referring to the State Department agents. “[Garvey] sees this contact and comes over. Officer Garvey orders him to the ground. Officer Garvey handcuffs him. Officer Garvey detains him.”
Nieves said that Adams was not fully aware of the federal agent’s involvement when he spoke to the press. But he added that Garvey endangered himself by approaching Rivera.
“I have had other New York City police officers approach subjects in the same exact scenario and had their noses cut off,” Nieves said.
Tagged
police
nypd
public safety
Mayor Eric Adams
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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