The Saturday shooting of the two NYPD officers in Brooklyn was especially jarring considering the high tensions in the city. The gunman, 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley, had a history of violence which led to the events of this weekend and put the entire nation on notice.
Details of Brinsley’s life are just beginning to emerge, and it appears that this moment was somewhat inevitable. The unfortunate turn of events were foreshadowed by behavior that was disturbing but perhaps enough to tip one off to the actions Brinsley took in the end.
Hip-Hop Wired takes a look at what we know about Ismaaiyl Brinsley.
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Photo: Facebook
Brinsley Had Long Criminal Record
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce, Brinsley has been arrested 19 times in multiple states. Brinsley had charges in Ohio, Georgia and New York ranging from simple battery, concealing a weapon, weapons possession, felony gun possession among other charges.
Brinsley Was From Brooklyn But Moved Around
According to the WSJ, Brinsley was born in Brooklyn where his mother and other family members currently lived. In the past 10 years, Brinsley lived in Ohio and Georgia. His last known residence was in Suburban Atlanta.
Brinsley’s Family Feared Him
According to a NBC report, Brinsley’s mother and sister were afraid of him. They told the NYPD that he was a violent person.
Brinsley Allegedly Shot His Ex-Girlfriend In Baltimore Suburb Over Rejection
It has been alleged that Brinsley shot his ex-girlfriend because she rejected his plea to resume the relationship. The 29-year-old woman was shot in the stomach near Owing Mills, a Baltimore suburb, early in the morning before Brinsley fled to New York.
Brinsley Tied Shooting To Killings Of Eric Garner and Mike Brown
Shortly after the Maryland shooting, Brinsley posted several threatening messages towards police on his social media accounts. Brinsley’s now infamous quip of “putting wings on pigs” has been the center of discussion.
Brinsley Has Been Suicidal In The Past
According to Chief Boyce, Brinsley’s mother said that her son was issued treatment for emotional issues and tried to hang himself in 2013.
Brinsley May Have Been Muslim
Brinsley posted a photo to his Facebook featuring a quote from the Holy Qur’an that allegedly speaks about “striking terror” in others.
Brinsley Forewarned Locals Of His Actions
It has been reported Brinsley told a pair of unnamed men to follow him on Instagram and telling them “Watch what I’m going to do” before gunning down the two officers.
Brinsley’s Threats On Instagram Tipped Off Police
Police in Baltimore County caught wind of Brinsley’s threats on Instagram and sent word to the NYPD including a wanted poster. Their warning would come too late for officers Ramos and Liu.
Brinsley Fashioned Himself As Some Sort Of Revolutionary
Brinsley’s Instagram featured a dizzying array of thoughts. One that caught the eye of some was a “Burn The Flag” challenge he issued earlier this year.
