The Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted two men on Wednesday following their alleged role in the shooting of an off-duty Border Patrol agent last month.
Miguel Mora, 21, and Christian Aybar, 22 are accused of shooting the agent on July 19 in Fort Washington Park in New York, according to court documents.
The DOJ accuses Mora of shooting the agent and striking him twice, once in the face and once on the hand and wrist. It says the two men previously were involved in the robbery of a 39-year-old woman in the area.
“Even while off-duty on a summer night, this officer quickly leapt into action in an act of bravery,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in the Wednesday release.
“We are committed to the safety of law enforcement officers in Manhattan, as demonstrated by this in-depth investigation and today’s serious charges,” he added.
Mora is charged with attempted murder in the first and second degree in the New York State Supreme Court while he and Aybar both face charges for robbery and criminal possession of a weapon.
The two allegedly planned the robbery spree in advance of the incident, according to authorities.
“Miguel Mora and Cristhian Aybar juggled with fate, and lost, when they set out on their alleged robbery spree last month. Throughout much of their time in the U.S., and as culminated with the events of July 19, they disrespected the sanctity of life and the American rule of law,” HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel said.
“In the process, they changed the course of their own lives, and tragically, that of an innocent, unsuspecting off-duty CBP officer,” he added.
Authorities said Mora illegally immigrated from the Dominican Republic and could face up to 15 years in prison while Aybar, who is also an illegal immigrant, could face 7.5 years behind bars.
