New York City...
While the tunes of the very popular Irish group "Black 47" played on stage, an off-duty, and apparently intoxicated, NYPD police officer took out his weapon and fired one shot at himself.
In addition, two other members of the audience sitting next to him were injured from the shooting. One of these victims was the wife of the lead singer of "Black 47," Larry Kirwin, the other was the wife of the group's road manager.
The incident took place at the Academy Theater, at 234 W. 43 St. in Manhattan. "Black 47" usually draws a capacity crowd to their concerts, and reports indicate that this was so on Saturday, St. Patrick's Day Eve. At approximately 2300 hrs., P.O. Christopher Gargan, 22, of the Midtown South Precinct, unexpectedly drew his weapon from his holster.
Other off-duty officers immediately attempted to stop Gargan from waving the gun around, but Gargan ignored the officers and fired one shot. He was sitting in the balcony, and the majority of the theater, as well as the band, were not initially aware of the incident. The band stopped playing when the house lights were raised and the balcony patrons were seen running towards the exit.
The officer was transported to Bellevue Hospital were he died from his injuries. The wives of the band members were reported to be in serious but stable condition.