Syracuse, NY — A legally armed man who fatally shot a knife-wielding attacker throughout a street rage incident in downtown Syracuse won’t face any costs, based on a choice introduced this week by the Onondaga County District Legal professional’s Workplace.
The taking pictures occurred on April 23, 2025, close to Armory Sq. throughout afternoon rush hour. In response to investigators, 61-year-old Ezell Hicks Jr. ran a purple mild and almost collided with the 43-year-old man’s car. The 2 drivers exchanged phrases on the subsequent mild. That’s when Hicks exited his car, retrieved a big chef-style knife, and superior aggressively towards the opposite driver.
Video proof reviewed by prosecutors confirmed Hicks holding the knife at shoulder peak as he rushed the shooter’s automotive. When Hicks closed to inside 5 ft of the motive force’s facet door, the legally armed man fired three photographs from his 9mm handgun via the open window, hanging Hicks within the chest. Hicks collapsed seconds later, knife nonetheless in hand, and was later pronounced useless on the hospital.
The shooter, who legally owned the firearm and had a legitimate carry allow, remained on the scene and cooperated totally with police.
His identification is being withheld on account of what officers described as “ongoing credible threats” in opposition to him. The DA’s workplace famous that this particular person has no connection to regulation enforcement.
“This was a transparent case of self-defense,” the DA’s workplace acknowledged. “The grand jury reviewed all proof, together with witness statements and video footage, and located no foundation for prison costs.”
The case highlights the significance of armed self-defense in fast-moving, life-threatening conditions. Regardless of makes an attempt by some to criminalize lawful gun possession, this incident is a textbook instance of why accountable residents carry: to guard themselves when there’s no time to attend for assist.
The shooter’s calm response—staying on the scene, cooperating with regulation enforcement, and utilizing drive solely when instantly threatened—reinforces the precept that with the suitable to bear arms comes severe accountability. On this case, it saved a life.
Armed Fugitive Shot Lifeless After Gunfight Spree in Muskegon Heights—Home-owner, Police Step In
The Senior’s Equalizer: Why Firearms & Consciousness Are Not Non-compulsory
