SMITHTOWN, NY – A deadly incident unfolded in Smithtown, Long Island, as a 54-year-old man, identified as Alan Weber, was fatally shot by a police officer on Tuesday. The encounter stemmed from a 911 call reporting Weber’s erratic and violent behavior at his residence, according to statements from the Suffolk County Police Department and the New York State Attorney General’s office.
Upon arriving at Weber’s home, officers were met with resistance as he refused to meet them outside. Witnesses reported that Weber was screaming and destroying property, prompting officers to attempt entry. Inside, Weber allegedly confronted the officers with what appeared to be two swords, as detailed in a statement released by the AG’s office on Thursday.
In an effort to subdue Weber, one officer deployed a Taser, but it failed to immediately incapacitate him. The AG’s statement revealed that Weber “again advanced towards the officers,” leading to the fatal shooting. Two fencing swords were discovered at the scene, although it was not explicitly confirmed if these were the weapons Weber was wielding. Strikingly, Weber was reportedly wearing a fencing mask during the incident.
Neighbors attested to Weber’s erratic behavior throughout the afternoon, as he approached different houses in the neighborhood. Those who knew him stated that he grappled with mental illness, shedding light on the distressing circumstances.
Notably, Weber had a background in fencing, having participated in a fencing tournament as recently as April of the same year, according to Fencing Tracker, a website that maintains a roster of fencers. He was affiliated with the Manhattan Fencing Center.
The New York State Attorney General’s office is actively investigating the tragic incident.