Police Shoot Armed Suspect Following Fatal Far Rockaway House Fire

A chaotic scene unfolded in Far Rockaway on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as police responded to a violent domestic incident that left two people dead and more than a dozen others injured.

According to law enforcement sources, officers were dispatched to a two-story home on Ocean Crest Boulevard near Hartman Lane at approximately 11:55 a.m. following a 911 call. The caller reported that a man armed with a shotgun had opened fire on two individuals inside the residence.

Shortly after police arrived, a fire broke out at the property, and a garage attached to the home exploded. As the structure became engulfed in flames, a 33-year-old male suspect emerged from the building while still in possession of a shotgun. Several officers discharged their weapons, striking the man. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Inside the home, investigators discovered the bodies of two relatives of the suspect. While the identities of the deceased have not yet been released, officials confirmed that the incident resulted in over a dozen injuries, likely stemming from the fire and the subsequent explosion.

The exact cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the explosion remain under active investigation. Authorities have not provided further details regarding the motive or the relationship between the individuals involved. This remains a developing situation as local officials continue to process the scene.