In a shocking and heart-wrenching incident, Ryan Carson, a prominent social justice activist, met a tragic end as he was brutally stabbed to death by an unidentified assailant on the streets of Brooklyn. Carson, 32, who had dedicated his life to various advocacy roles, succumbed to multiple stab wounds in the early hours of Monday, near the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and Lafayette Avenue.
The fateful incident unfolded at approximately 4 a.m., shortly after Carson had returned from a wedding event on Long Island in the company of his girlfriend. Surveillance footage reveals the sequence of events leading to the horrific crime.
As the couple sat on a bench, an individual, concealed in a dark jacket with a hood, passed by them. Moments later, Carson and his girlfriend proceeded in the same direction as the suspect. What followed was a sudden and unprovoked display of aggression by the suspect, who began by toppling over a parked scooter.
Engaging in a confrontation, the suspect verbally confronted the couple, which led to a physical altercation. Surveillance footage vividly captured the suspect’s menacing advance towards Carson, who attempted to defend himself but was struck by a punch. Subsequently, the assailant, wielding what appeared to be a knife, viciously attacked Carson, who eventually fell to the ground. Shockingly, the suspect then turned his aggression towards Carson’s girlfriend before fleeing the scene.
The suspect, described as wearing a hooded dark jacket, managed to evade capture by escaping eastward along Van Buren Street. Despite immediate medical attention at Kings County Hospital, Ryan Carson could not be saved, leaving a community in mourning and disbelief.
In the wake of this heinous crime, the New York Police Department has issued a public appeal for information regarding the suspect. A photograph of the assailant has been circulated to aid in the investigation.
Ryan Carson’s life was dedicated to advocacy and social justice causes, with more than a decade of service at the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), an esteemed student-directed, non-partisan public education organization. NYPIRG fondly remembers Carson as a “beloved staffer, colleague, and friend,” highlighting his instrumental role in statewide campaigns, including the expansion of the state’s bottle deposit law.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his profound condolences and vowed to bring Carson’s assailant to justice, emphasizing Carson’s transformation of “passion into purpose” and his enduring commitment to the betterment of society.
United States Senator Chuck Schumer also joined the chorus of mourning, acknowledging Carson’s passionate contributions to various causes and hailing him as a “rising talent and an extraordinary activist” whose memory and work will continue to inspire.
Ryan Carson’s legacy extends beyond his work with NYPIRG; he founded the advocacy organization “No OD NY,” dedicated to combating the drug overdose crisis. State Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, a close friend of Carson, shared her grief, revealing plans to attend his birthday party, tragically altered into a somber farewell.
In 2021, Ryan Carson embarked on a remarkable journey, walking over 150 miles from New York to Albany to raise awareness for overdose prevention centers and harm reduction resources, underscoring his unwavering dedication to the causes he held dear.
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, the memory of Ryan Carson’s indomitable spirit and tireless advocacy will live on, inspiring continued efforts for social justice and change.
