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An armed gunman who fired shots outside of a Morningside Heights church concert was shot and killed by police Sunday afternoon, officials said.

NYPD officers responded to reports of a man firing a gun near the front steps of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine near West 112th Street & Amsterdam Avenue around 3:45 p.m.

According to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, a holiday concert had just concluded and people were lingering in the area when the gunman fired his weapon.

Shea said, “Thankfully, this year with COVID there was a much smaller event than normal.” 

Officers who were already at the location exchanged gunfire with the suspect. 
Approximately 15 rounds were fired by officers, Shea said.

The suspect was struck at least once, in the head, and brought to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. 

Shea said two firearms were recovered at the scene in addition to a bag that contained a full can of gasoline, multiple knives, rope, and other items.

A motive has not yet been determined, but multiple witnesses told police the gunman yelled, “kill me.” 

Officials have not released the identity of the man involved. 

Shea said the three responding officers acted heroically as they pulled people caught in the crossfire out of harm’s way.

Specialized NYPD units also evacuated people to safety from inside the church. 
No other injuries were reported. 

Officials will review body camera footage of the shooting as part of their ongoing investigation.

The church wrote on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/StJohnDivineNYC/posts/10159203060931484?__cft__[0]=AZV3bj_hOKB3S-GC4s28gyzmAXuzSomZaVE8-JpTS06-fwJZlaePX0lJ-KzdPQRUVgy3pdhagS25mvsxSj3LK9kVtG8q5Gp2uVOVvRP9G5LZKFTNqJFqAboUlqK33NjXoVCGkHx2O3AuqLXn8EIqrDty&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R) that the gunman fire a gunshot into the air on the front steps, interrupting the church's "Carols for the Community" event.

“It is horrible that our choir’s gift to New York City, a much-needed afternoon of song and unity, was cut short by this shocking act of violence," the post said. "We will remain strong, together, and serve as a safe space for prayer, meditation and celebration during the upcoming holiday season. We are grateful to our first responders, and our prayers are with all those affected by this event.”


Gunman Shot, Killed by Police Outside Cathedral Concert

A police officer at the scene reports there is an active shooter.

Incident reported at W 112th St & Amsterdam Ave.

Police at the scene report a person has been shot.

Police report there are two suspects firing weapons.

Contrary to original reports, there is only one suspect. That suspect is now in police custody.

Police report the suspect was shot by police.

Police report the suspect is in critical condition.

Police are closing Amsterdam Avenue from W 113th Street to W 110th Street.

Additional police are responding to secure the scene.

Police are evacuating people from a church near the scene.

The gunmen was reportedly firing a gun at police officers from Church scaffolding.

No police officers or civilians were injured by the gunfire.

Multiple Citizen users show emergency personnel at the scene.