A man who died Sunday at the hands of police in New York after he fired, with a gun in each hand, from the steps of the historic Cathedral of San Juan el Divino, was identified on Monday as Luis Vásquez, who had criminal history.
The man, 52 years old, shot into the air from the top of the cathedral steps largest Anglican in the world while shouting “Mátenme” and “Dispárenme”, according to media reports.
The incident, in which no one else was injured, occurred shortly before four in the afternoon local time after concluding a carol concert outside the cathedral, which saved chaos.
A police detective and an assigned officer at the cathedral event, as well as a sergeant who was nearby, responded to the emergency and, after asking the man to drop his weapon, the incident concluded with Vásquez dead with a gunshot wound to the head.
At a press conference given by the Police after the incident it was reported that the two weapons with which the man fired were recovered, and in a bag that is presumed to be lost they found gasoline, rope, wire, several thighs, duct tape and a Bible.
The individual, who was dressed in black and wearing a baseball cap and mask, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Vásquez was allegedly arrested for murder in 1990 and for an assault charge a year earlier, according to the New York Post.
The newspaper also states that in the record of the man from The Bronx there is also an indictment for drug sales in 1989, as well as a marijuana shipment to The Bronx in 2012 and an offense to evade Metro payment in 2007.
“It’s horrible that the gift of our heart to New York City, an much-needed afternoon of singing and unity, was interrupted by this impact of violence,” the centennial cathedral indicated via red Twitter.
“We will stay strong, together, and serve as a safe space for prayer, meditation and celebration during the upcoming Christmas season,” the cathedral’s message further states.