An off-duty Boston police officer shot and killed an armed man inside a Chick-fil-A on Boylston Street in the city’s bustling Back Bay neighborhood Saturday evening, authorities said. The violent confrontation, which unfolded around 5:30 p.m. in front of numerous witnesses, has left residents shaken and prompted a call for information from investigators.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said the incident began when two individuals ran into the fast-food restaurant, pursued by a man wielding a knife who was attempting to stab them. The off-duty officer, who was inside the restaurant at the time, identified himself as law enforcement and ordered the armed man to drop his weapon. When the man allegedly refused to comply, the officer opened fire, striking him. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported.
“It honestly makes me question the general safety of Boston,” said Amara Nweke, a local resident who spoke with NBC10 Boston. “Especially as a woman in the area, it just makes me question what changes do I have to make to my schedule? Is this something I have to think about often in my day-to-day?”
The shooting occurred in a busy part of the city, heightening concerns among those who witnessed the chaos. Authorities have not released the identities of the off-duty officer or the deceased man, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said investigators believe others may have been involved in the events leading up to the confrontation. Prosecutors are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has information about what preceded the shooting to come forward.
“We don’t look for loss of life. So our condolences go to the individual who was killed tonight,” Commissioner Cox said during a press briefing. “We’re proud of the police officers who activate themselves, whether it’s on duty or off duty, to try to save lives. But we’re asking for the public’s support and help—it was a pretty busy area—to contact us.”
While authorities expressed regret over the fatal outcome, they noted their relief that the situation did not escalate further. “We’re sorry for the loss of life, but we’re glad the violence didn’t worsen,” Cox added.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about safety in one of Boston’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Residents and workers in Back Bay are left grappling with the unsettling reality of violence erupting in a place typically associated with everyday routines.
