Police arrest suspect in murder of New York City activist

A teenage suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of social justice activist Ryan Carson who was stabbed multiple times on a New York street while returning from a wedding.

Brian Dowling, 18, has been charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.

Mr Carson, 32, was killed near a bus station in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighbourhood early on 2 October.

Police said the attacker had been "acting agitated" before the assault.

Authorities initially withheld Mr Dowling's identity until they had enough probable cause to make an arrest, local media reported.

Surveillance camera footage shows the suspect, dressed in dark clothing, Mr Carson and an unidentified woman at a bench near a bus stop at about 04:00 local time (08:00 GMT).

According to officials, Mr Carson and his companion began to walk away after seeing the suspect, now identified as Mr Dowling, kicking over parked scooters before he confronted them and began shouting obscenities.

"Mr Carson then immediately places himself between the man and his female companion to protect her," NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters on Wednesday, adding that Mr Carson was attempting to "de-escalate" the situation.

Soon after, the suspect stabbed Mr Carson three times, including one blow to the chest that pierced his heart and ultimately killed him.

"As Mr Carson lay dying on the sidewalk, the male with the knife kicks him in the chest, threatens to stab the woman companion and spits in her face," Mr Kenny added.

An unidentified woman, believed to be the suspect's girlfriend, arrived soon after and apologised.

Mr Carson had lived in New York for 13 years. For a decade, he helped organise campaigns for the New York Public Interest Research Group, which is focused on waste policy.

Additionally, Mr Carson helped create a campaign called "No OD NY", which was aimed at raising awareness of overdose prevention centres.

In 2021, he walked over 150 miles from New York City to Albany to raise awareness of the centres and other harm reduction measures, according to Gothamist.

"He advocated tirelessly for others, and his giving spirit was a buoy to all," New York Mayor Eric Adams wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "His murder is unthinkable and the NYPD won't rest until we bring him justice."

Senator Chuck Schumer, who worked with Mr Carson at a town hall regarding inflation, called him a "rising talent and extraordinary activist".

"May his memory and work inspire us," the Senator wrote on X.