Police Search for Serial Shooter Seen Killing Sleeping Homeless Man in Video

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is searching for a serial shooter who was caught on video fatally shooting a sleeping homeless man in Soho and injuring another early Saturday morning.

In a video obtained by the New York Post, the suspect can be seen approaching the man before kicking him multiple times. He then pulls out a gun and shoots him in the head and neck, according to the police. Before pulling the trigger, the suspect can also be seen looking around to see if he is being watched before committing the heinous crime. Police said the victim's body was found still in his sleeping bag 12 hours later.

Before the fatal shooting, the suspect, who was wearing all black and blue gloves, approached another homeless victim in front of 54 King St. The 38-year-old victim woke up screaming, "What are you doing?" before being shot, according to NYPD Deputy Chief Hank Saunter. No details were revealed about where the man was shot or the severity of his injuries.

An NYPD spokesperson told Newsweek on Sunday that no arrests have been made and that the investigation is still ongoing. The department also announced a reward for any tips leading to the suspect.

"A combined reward in the amount of $10,000 is being offered in regard to the incident. Up to $3,500 payable by CrimeStoppers upon arrest and indictment and $6,500 payable by NYPD upon arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this incident," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"This morning one of our fellow New Yorkers was murdered and another was put in the hospital. They were attacked for being homeless. It's unconscionable. Tonight we're taking extra steps to protect homeless New Yorkers and encourage them to take shelter," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said of the incident in a tweet Saturday night.

In another tweet, he called both shootings "chilling" and vowed to keep the city "safe."

Police also searched the Manhattan neighborhood to see if the suspect had shot any other homeless individuals, according to the Post, with one police investigator saying, "I wouldn't be surprised if there are more, and we don't know yet."

"Homelessness turning into a homicide. We need to find this person and we need New Yorkers to help us," Adams said during a press conference Saturday night. "I believe [that's what] makes this case so horrific, watching the video, watching the individual intentionally walk up to innocent people that are dealing with the challenges of homelessness. It's quite possible that one of our citizens is still alive merely because he woke up."

In February, Adams announced that he would be working with New York Governor Kathy Hochul to provide shelter and services to homeless people after several subway crimes have been reported. He said that homeless individuals would be supported with more housing and mental health services in an effort to reduce homelessness across the subway system.

The story has been updated to include additional information from the NYPD.