Ithaca, N.Y. -- A 57-year-old man died this morning after being shot by a police officer at the city’s police department, Mayor Svante Myrick confirmed today.

It’s unclear why Michael DeCastro, of Ithaca, was at the Ithaca Police Department early this morning. He was wielding a large knife and attacked a police officer, according to police.

“Appears random right now,” Myrick wrote in response to questions.

Myrick commended the officer, who has not been identified, for his actions.

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind - our Sergeant saved his own life, and was entirely justified in his actions,” Svante posted on Twitter this morning. “I also believe that he saved the lives of other officers. His actions were nothing short of heroic.”

Svante said he reviewed footage of the shooting. DeCastro injured the officer, who the shot DeCastro. As of about 4 p.m. today, that officer is out of the hospital and resting at home, the mayor said.

This unprovoked attack ended in tragedy, and I'm praying for the family of the deceased.



And I hope you'll join me in praying for our officers and their families. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and that often makes them targets for the unstable. — Mayor Svante Myrick (@SvanteMyrick) December 21, 2019

The deadly shooting happened just before 6:30 a.m. inside the lobby of the police department’s headquarters at 120 E. Clinton St.

The mayor is also asking for the community to pray for all involved. “This unprovoked attack ended in tragedy,” Myrick wrote, “and I’m praying for the family of the deceased.”

The shooting remains under investigation. The Tompkins County District Attorney, the New York State Office of the Attorney General, the New York State Police and the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office are involved in the investigation.

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