At approximately 1545 local time (2045 UTC) on 13 December 2020, a gunman opened fire outside of a cathedral located in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood in New York City. The assailant, armed with two semiautomatic handguns, began shooting immediately after the conclusion of the cathedral’s Christmas event, causing panic among hundreds of people who were leaving the scene. Three police officers — who were providing security at the event — fired 15 rounds in response, killing the gunman, according to New York’s police commissioner. It is unknown whether the gunman was shooting in the air or targeting people in the area; however, no other individuals were harmed. Police officers seized the two handguns and a backpack that contained a can of gasoline, multiple knives, rope, wire, a roll of tape and a Bible. The assailant had a long criminal history. Authorities are currently investigating to determine a motive for the attack.