Yesterday evening, Richard Henderson, a father of 3 daughters and grandfather of two granddaughters, was shot during a dispute on his way home in Brooklyn County. Witnesses claim that he was simply trying to calm those involved in the altercation. Unfortunately, the individuals responsible for shooting Henderson remain at large..
The tragedy is compounded morally when considering that Henderson was likely de-escalating and ensuring further safety for others aboard the train. While gun ownership is strictly forbidden in New York City, people who commit crimes will nevertheless and act in an unconscionable manner.
The man is survived by his wife Jakeba Henderson, as well as the aforementioned daughters and grand daughters.
From Brownsville To Crown Heights
On the far Rockaway stop, Henderson was on his way home to his wife and children after watching football with his friends. Per witness accounts corraborated by the NY Times, slightly before 815 pm, Henderson was shot once in the back and shoulder after which a 911 call was placed by a nearby witness.
Although shooting deaths are down, the overall sentiment around NY subways is one of lawlessness, ineptitude and recklessness on part of the governing authority, which is actually a combined effort between local beat cops and the state of New York. The debacle is not unlike SEPTA’s recent decline where many subway stations are like open air drug use bazaars.
As such, the overall feel in the borough of Brooklyn cant be positive after the death of this family man.