A New York City EMT is currently facing serious charges after an unprovoked attack on a 36-year-old man in Astoria. The Queens District Attorney's office states Isaiah Keller, 26, of Jamaica was arraigned on multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault, and weapon possession.
The incident, which took place in the early hours of August 31, has shocked the community, particularly because the suspect is a professional expected to quickly aid and protect the lives of citizens. According to the Queens District Attorney's official website, Keller allegedly approached Eric Connor from behind and, without provocation, proceeded to shoot him twice. These actions were seemingly out of character for someone in Keller's profession, making the incident all the more puzzling and alarming to local residents.
District Attorney Melinda Katz addressed the severity of the allegations in a press release, stating, "This defendant, who is an FDNY EMT, is entrusted with saving the lives of his fellow New Yorkers. As alleged, Isaiah Keller broke that promise and shot a man in the streets of Astoria in the early morning hours of August 31, causing serious injuries.." The contradiction between Keller's role as a lifesaver and the violence he is accused of committing has not only led to a criminal case but also sparked a broader conversation about the trust placed in public servants.
The Queens District Attorney's office detailed that surveillance video showed Keller arriving in the neighborhood prior to the incident and captured the moments leading up to the shooting. Following the attack, the victim was hospitalized and underwent surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his femur, and continues to receive medical treatment. Criminal Court Judge Maria Gonzalez has since required Keller to return to court today. If he is convicted of the top count, he could potentially face up to 25 years in prison.
Assistant District Attorneys Manaal Khokhar and Christine Thambuswamy, of the DA’s Public Corruption Bureau, are assigned to the case. They are working under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Christine Oliveri, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Executive District Attorney for Investigations Gerard A. Brave. Keller's arrest this Tuesday comes as a stark reminder that the uniform does not always predict the actions of the individual within.
