The Hindu : New York Councilman shot dead in City Hall

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 25, 2003

International

International

New York Councilman shot dead in City Hall

NEW YORK july 24. A city councilman known as a crusader against urban violence was shot to death inside City Hall by a political rival who bypassed security with a gun by walking into the building along with his victim. A plainclothes police officer shot and killed the assailant, said the Mayor, Michael Bloomberg. The gunman's ties to the councilman allowed him to bypass security, he added.

``Obviously, there was a breakdown someplace,'' said Mr. Bloomberg, who was yards away in his office at the time of Wednesday's attack but unharmed. Mr. Bloomberg said that all officials, including himself, would now be required to go through the building's metal detectors.

The Brooklyn Councilman, James Davis, a former police officer and outspoken presence on the Council, died from two gunshots to the chest as 14 bullets rattled across the landmark lower Manhattan building, authorities said.

The gunman, Othniel Askew (31), died a short time later at a hospital, according to a police source. The two mortally wounded men were found lying side by side on the balcony overlooking the Council chambers. — AP

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