BOSTON — A man armed with a knife was shot and killed by an off-duty Boston police officer inside a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Back Bay’s Copley Square on Saturday, according to officials.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said the incident began around 5:27 p.m. when the man chased two people into the fast-food restaurant on Boylston Street. The off-duty officer, who happened to be inside, identified himself as law enforcement and ordered the man to drop the weapon. When the suspect did not comply, the officer shot him.
Emergency responders transported the man to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The officer was also taken to a hospital for evaluation. No other injuries were reported.
“We don’t look for loss of life, so our condolences go to the individual who was killed tonight,” Cox said at a press conference. “We’re proud of the police officers who activate themselves, whether it’s on duty or off duty, to try to save lives.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said his office is leading the investigation. Mayor Michelle Wu also addressed the incident, emphasizing its impact on the community.
“Any incident of violence is deeply impactful,” Wu said. “I’m glad that the officer is safe and very grateful for a quick response from all of our first responders.”
A Chipotle restaurant next to the Chick-fil-A was also being processed as a potential crime scene, though officials did not specify why. When asked if the investigation extended beyond the Chick-fil-A, Cox described it as “a pretty big investigation.”
Officials have not released the identity of the man who was shot or provided details about a possible motive.
