Bangladesh-Origin Man Charged After Police Shooting in Buffalo

A Bangladesh-origin man has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder of police officers, following a shootout with law enforcement in Buffalo, New York, where a police officer was critically injured.

According to local authorities, the incident occurred on Tuesday around 2 p.m. when police responded to a 911 domestic violence call from a residence on Sherman Street. The caller, a woman, alleged that her husband had threatened to kill her, confiscated her phone, confined her to a room, and attempted sexual assault.

Buffalo Police Commissioner Erica Shields said officers were instructed not to use sirens due to the sensitive nature of the call. Upon arrival, officers evacuated individuals from the residence before confronting 33-year-old Bangladesh-origin suspect Minhaj Siddiqui.

Police body camera footage reportedly shows Siddiqui refusing to comply with officers’ instructions inside the kitchen area. During an attempted arrest, he allegedly resisted and then drew a concealed firearm, opening fire.

Authorities say Siddiqui fired eight rounds, while police returned fire with three rounds.

Buffalo Police Officer Mark Hearst was struck multiple times in the hands and legs, and also hit twice by bullets on his ballistic vest. He was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery. He remains under treatment at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC).

Siddiqui was also injured during the exchange and is currently hospitalized at the same facility.

Commissioner Erica Shields said preliminary findings suggest that the bullets that struck Officer Hearst were fired from Siddiqui’s weapon. She also confirmed that a search of another property linked to Siddiqui led to the recovery of a significant number of firearms.

The Buffalo Police Homicide Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office are jointly investigating the incident.

Buffalo Police Benevolent Association President John Davidson said officers acted with bravery under extreme conditions and emphasized that the injured officer has the full support of the city.