Syracuse, NY — A legally armed man who fatally shot a knife-wielding attacker during a road rage incident in downtown Syracuse will not face any charges, according to a decision announced this week by the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.
The shooting happened on April 23, 2025, near Armory Square during afternoon rush hour. According to investigators, 61-year-old Ezell Hicks Jr. ran a red light and nearly collided with the 43-year-old man’s vehicle. The two drivers exchanged words at the next light. That’s when Hicks exited his vehicle, retrieved a large chef-style knife, and advanced aggressively toward the other driver.
Video evidence reviewed by prosecutors showed Hicks holding the knife at shoulder height as he rushed the shooter’s car. When Hicks closed to within five feet of the driver’s side door, the legally armed man fired three shots from his 9mm handgun through the open window, striking Hicks in the chest. Hicks collapsed seconds later, knife still in hand, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The shooter, who legally owned the firearm and had a valid carry permit, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with police.
His identity is being withheld due to what officials described as “ongoing credible threats” against him. The DA’s office noted that this individual has no connection to law enforcement.
“This was a clear case of self-defense,” the DA’s office stated. “The grand jury reviewed all evidence, including witness statements and video footage, and found no basis for criminal charges.”
The case highlights the importance of armed self-defense in fast-moving, life-threatening situations. Despite attempts by some to criminalize lawful gun ownership, this incident is a textbook example of why responsible citizens carry: to protect themselves when there’s no time to wait for help.
The shooter’s calm response—staying on the scene, cooperating with law enforcement, and using force only when directly threatened—reinforces the principle that with the right to bear arms comes serious responsibility. In this case, it saved a life.
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The real news is that somebody was legally armed in New York! Because if somebody’s got a weapon in that state [home/vehicle/person] they’ll always scramble up a charge or two.
thankfully he did not wait until “the only ones” got there to protect him. this incident exemplifies the fundamental ideology of the Second Amendment, self defense. this time from a two-legged animal, not a four legged one or your own government as we have seen too many times.
you are your first responder in pretty much every incident. keep your head up and eyes open and protect yourself. the police are there to take reports, and maybe try to catch the perp.
I’m quite confident that Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are desperately trying to find a way to charge the shooter with a homicide. Hopefully there wasn’t any “Gun-Free Zone” signs around.
I guess people will NEVER learn not to bring knives to gun fights.
Best rule of thumb is, if you’re prepared to kill, be prepared to die.
shooter is lucky they did not make up some new rule to make the dealing with the goobers the punishment
Talking News Head: “… this person is not and never has been in law enforcement.”
Just what relevance does that have to the altercation? And why does she sound simultaneously incredulous and accusatory?
Hey, brother, did we ever have a thunder, lightening, wind, and copious rain storm last night!! Lasted for seven hours. All that horse barn stall cleaning came in very handy. No building damage, no animal damage, no orchard damage, and we are very grateful.
All you folks east of here, like La, Ms. Ala, and Ga. use your time wisely.
Hey, all you armchair quarterbacks: New York is a “duty to retreat” state, so if this guy wasn’t indicted, he must have had no clear path to retreat.
I’m curious… why didn’t the shooter just roll up his window and drive on? Wouldn’t that have been better solution than “standing his ground” on his butt in a car agasinst a guy a knife? OK… so he isn’t gonna be arrested and tried. GREAT. Now, how much will it cost him in lawyer fees when some enterprising personal injury lawyer convinces the dead guy’s wife to sue for damages (not to mention loss of affection) in a civil case? Once again, the great question in all conflicts arises: DO YOU WANT TO BE RIGHT, OR DO YOU WANT TO… Read more »
Call 911 when the incident became heated and knife was seen, exit area if it’s possible, keep the door locked and the window closed. Weapon at the ready may have caused the knife attacker to rethink his options.