A close friend of Ismaaiyl Brinsley, the alleged killer of two NYPD officers, described the suspect as “intelligent” and “funny.” The statements come in contrast to reports that have indicated that Brinsley had a history of violence and mental instability.
Investigators are trying to piece together Brinsley’s final hours, including him allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend in Baltimore before traveling to New York City, revealing a man with a lengthy criminal history who often posted anti-police rhetoric on his social media accounts.
Brinsley left behind a trail of evidence on Facebook and Instagram, where he posted a photo of the weapon he allegedly used to kill the two officers on Saturday afternoon. On Instagram, Brinsley wrote that he would put “wings on pigs,” apparently referring to the officers he would then shoot.
Right before the incident, he told passersby to “watch what I’m going to do.” After the attack, he shot and killed himself at a subway station near the corner of Marcy & Tompkins.
