A 15-year-old Venezuelan migrant, Jesus Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa, is facing severe charges after allegedly shooting a tourist and engaging in a confrontation with NYPD officers in Times Square. Rivas-Figueroa’s maternal aunt, who is also a Venezuelan migrant residing in New York City, expressed her belief that he should be held accountable for his actions. She stated, “He needs to pay for it. It was an irremediable error, and whatever the judge decides is what he needs to do… There’s nothing more to do in hindsight.”
The shocking incident unfolded on February 8 when Rivas-Figueroa purportedly attempted to rob JD Sports on West 42nd Street. Subsequently, he allegedly shot a Brazilian tourist and fired two rounds at pursuing NYPD officers. Learning of the incident, Rivas-Figueroa and his mother swiftly left their accommodation at the Stratford Hotel on West 70th Street and sought refuge at his aunt’s residence in Yonkers.
According to the aunt, Rivas-Figueroa only mentioned a problem upon their arrival, and it was not until officials arrived and informed them of the gravity of the situation that they fully comprehended what had transpired. Since the arrest of the accused gunman on February 9, his mother has been detained by immigration officials.
The aunt fervently advocates for her sister’s release, emphasizing that it is not her fault for what her son has done. She hopes her sister will be granted an opportunity to fight for her son, as he remains her child regardless of the circumstances.
On February 10, a judge ordered Rivas-Figueroa to be held without bail in a juvenile detention center. He has been charged as an adult with attempted murder in connection to the shooting.
