Suspected Tompkins Square Park shooter facing attempted murder charges
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – A man now faces attempted murder charges after he allegedly shot multiple people, including an innocent bystander, in Tompkins Square Park last month, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Monday.
Waldemar Alverio, 38, was indicted Monday on two counts of attempted murder, weapons and other charges related to two shootings in five days at the East Village park, according to Bragg. He now could face up to 25 years in prison, according to Bragg’s office.
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“Our parks should be a place where New Yorkers and tourists can relax without fearing for their safety,” Bragg said.
The violence started on March 16 around 12:45 p.m. when two men chased and attacked Alverio, prosecutors said. Alverio pulled a gun out of his bag and fired at the men five times, hitting one in the buttocks and a 53-year-old bystander in the hip, prosecutors said.
Just five days later, Alverio approached a group in the park around 12:05 p.m. and shot five times, missing the people, according to Bragg’s office.
“I hope the victims continue to heal from their wounds,” Bragg said.
Alverio’s sentence has not yet been determined.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.
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