Marcos Cofresi: NYC comedian, 34, slated to perform in Times Square identified as subway shooting suspect
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Alleged Manhattan subway shooter who injured a straphanger during a fight has been identified as a stand-up comedian who was set to be performing on stage in Times Square on Saturday night, February 25, according to police. While taking a southbound N train in January, the 30-year-old suspect shot a 34-year-old man and injured his stomach and forearm.
Along with his female companion, Cofresi fought with the victim on January 28 just after 1.00 am. The comedian then opened fire while the train pulled into Canal Street and Broadway station. The victim was shifted to Bellevue Hospital where he was listed as stable. Pam Lavelle, the victim's cousin said he is "doing well, much better," reported New York Post.
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Who is Marcos Cofresi?
Marcos Cofresi, the Bushwick, Brooklyn resident is on the bill on West 46th Street's LOL Comedy Lounge and reportedly performs under the names Leonardo and Leo Cofresi. "I think it’s absolutely insane that people are shooting people for no reason," said the victim's cousin who was stunned to know that the alleged shooter is a comedian. Cofresi who has two prior arrests was charged with criminal possession of marijuana and fare evasion and is currently listed as "wanted."
Taking part in the 'NYC Griends' showcase, the gunman performed at the Front Street Tap Room in August 2022 in Fargo, ND. According to the club's bio, Cofresi is "a Dominican ex-gang member. On stage, he has a devil’s advocate style with goofy and observational jokes. You can see him on ‘Game Theory’ on HBO."
Cofresi likes talking about cops and crimes in his acts
In his comic acts, the 30-year-old gunman mostly talks about cops and crimes. Laughing at his own joke in a maniac way, one of Cofresi's TikTok posts was crime-fueled in his statements as he said, "Remember when people wanted to get rid of cops? Remember that, like a year ago? Some dude in a turtleneck was like, 'We should get rid of cops.' I was like, 'You look very robbable!' I was like, 'Are you a fighter? Why do you wanna get rid of cops?' He’s like, ‘No, I’m not a fighter, I’m a lover.’ " and added, "I was like, 'No, you’re a victim. We gonna rob you dawg!' ".
In a different TikTok video posted in 2022, he quipped, "Selling drugs! It sounds less f–ked up when you sing it, right? That’s why rap is so fun!". The NYPD's search for the suspect is ongoing and is seeking help from the public in locating the alleged shooter, according to New York Post.
Cofresi was spotted covering his face and wearing a white neck gaiter that had a skull and rushed out of the train while it was pulled into the station. "What are you looking at?," the comedian asked the straphanger who may have looked at his appearance. The argument quickly turned into bloodshed, according to police sources. On Friday, February 25, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said, "He’s a comedian wanted in a shooting. There was a bump. Marcos pulls a gun."
