January 16, 2024
Brooklyn Man Killed After Trying To Break Up Dispute On Subway
His family and community are calling him a hero.
A Brooklyn man lost his life while reportedly playing peacemaker on a New York City subway on Sunday, Jan. 14.
Richard Henderson, 45, tried to intervene in a dispute on a Manhattan-bound No. 3 train, breaking up a dispute between the alleged killer and another passenger after a complaint about playing music excessively loud on the subway. Henderson was hit with two bullets, one in the back and the other in the shoulder. After being shot, the train pulled into the Franklin Avenue station in Crown Heights, where the police were waiting, following a 9-1-1 call around 8:15 p.m. He was transported to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 9:05 p.m.
The father of three had been watching football with friends and was just three stops away from home. Police officials stated that there have been no arrests, and they are not sure if Henderson or the person arguing with the gunman was the target.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Richard Henderson,” President of New York City Transit Richard Davey said in a written statement. “This is another sad reminder that gun violence has no place in this city,” he said. “The M.T.A. is cooperating fully with the investigation to ensure the perpetrator can be brought to justice.”
His wife of almost 20 years stated that he always stood up to bullies.
“He got shot stepping into an altercation that he had nothing to do with,” Jakeba Henderson said. “He died a hero. He died doing what he did — taking up for the weak.”
The New York Post reported that students and associates from Avenues The World School, the private school where Henderson worked as a crossing guard, set up a GoFundMe account, “Support Rich Henderson’s Family.”