A domestic violence incident turned deadly in Malta, New York, early Thursday morning when State Police fatally shot a man following a tense standoff. Authorities identified the man as 37-year-old Brandon R. Moore, who was killed after allegedly pointing what appeared to be a handgun at troopers during the confrontation.
The incident began around 9 a.m. at the Ellsworth Commons Apartments on Route 9, where police responded to reports of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, troopers found that Moore had barricaded himself inside an apartment and refused to surrender, despite attempts at negotiation.
After a period of failed communication, Moore emerged from the apartment brandishing what looked like a firearm. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, but he pointed it toward them, prompting troopers to open fire. Moore was fatally shot at the scene. Authorities later confirmed the weapon was a CO2-powered BB pistol, closely resembling a real handgun.
Two troopers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and were treated at a nearby hospital before being released. The shooting remains under investigation by both State Police and the New York Attorney General’s Office, which is standard for officer-involved shootings.
As a safety precaution, police evacuated the apartment building where the standoff occurred. Compounding the chaos, the building’s sprinkler system activated during the event, flooding multiple apartments. The cause of the sprinkler activation remains unclear, but water damage has made the building temporarily uninhabitable, with maintenance staff estimating a three- to five-day repair period.
Resident Alicia Pultorak described a chaotic scene, witnessing a woman with visible injuries being escorted from the building. According to Pultorak, the woman said Moore had assaulted her and threatened to kill everyone in the building before taking his own life.
This incident came just a day after an unrelated shooting outside the Malta State Police barracks, further heightening concerns in the community. Authorities say both events are unrelated but have underscored ongoing issues surrounding domestic violence and mental health.
Officials are continuing their investigation and have pledged support for displaced residents. Law enforcement and local leaders are urging anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help before situations escalate to tragedy.
