The NYPD responded to a 911 report of gunfire and a man shouting in Far Rockaway. Minutes after a large explosion inside the home, 33-year-old Keegan Thompson emerged wearing a tactical vest and carrying a shotgun; officers shot and detained him. Two family members were later found dead inside the residence, and investigators are still determining the cause of the blast. The shooting was recorded on body cameras and is under review by the NYPD's Force Investigation Division.
Armed Man in Tactical Vest Emerges From Exploding Queens Home, Shot by NYPD; Two Family Members Found Dead
Family members and neighbors gather near an FDNY ambulance as emergency responders investigate a shooting, explosion and police-involved shooting at a home in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, N.Y., Saturday.
An armed man wearing a tactical vest emerged from a Queens home moments after a large explosion as New York City Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire and a man shouting, "Kill them, kill them," officials said Saturday.
NYPD Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh identified the suspect as Keegan Thompson, 33. According to police, Thompson left the burning residence carrying a shotgun and wearing a vest loaded with ammunition; officers fired after he failed to drop the weapon and was taken into custody. He was transported to Jamaica Hospital in critical but stable condition.
What Happened
Officers arrived just after noon at a home on Ocean Crest Boulevard in the Far Rockaway neighborhood after a caller reported her husband was armed. A woman at the scene told police she had heard gunshots, entered a room, found a body on a bed, left the house and then called 911. She also warned responding officers that her husband possessed a shotgun.
Responding units established a perimeter and requested the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (ESU). Officers repeatedly attempted to communicate with the suspect but were unable to make contact. As ESU prepared to enter at about 12:15 p.m., a large explosion occurred inside the home. Approximately 15–20 seconds later, Thompson emerged from the burning house wearing tactical gear and carrying a shotgun.
The NYPD said the incident remains under investigation and has not yet identified the two victims found dead inside the home.
Police Response and Aftermath
Officers gave repeated orders for the suspect to raise his hands and drop the weapon. When he did not comply, an officer fired and struck him. Officers rendered first aid at the scene before he was taken to the hospital.
Investigators later discovered two deceased family members inside the residence. Their identities and causes of death have not been released pending further investigation. As flames spread through parts of the house, officers evacuated neighboring homes to protect residents.
Investigation
The cause of the explosion has not been determined, and police have not confirmed whether explosives were involved. The shooting was captured on officers' body-worn cameras and is being reviewed by the NYPD's Force Investigation Division. McIntosh said the department has no documented criminal history or mental health records for Thompson.
"The bravery of the officers who responded today cannot be overstated," McIntosh said, praising officers for running toward danger after the 911 call.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he had been briefed and that his administration remained in contact with law enforcement as the probe continued. "I am grateful for the NYPD's swift response and bravery, and am thankful no officers were injured," the mayor wrote in a social post. "My heart is with the loved ones of the victims who were killed today."
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