Shortly after 9:00 AM Wednesday morning a lone gunmen entered Middletown City court and opened fire inside its vestibule.

Court officers immediately returned fire. The gunmen, later identified as 43 year old Timothy Mulqueen of Middletown, was shot and killed.

43 year old Timothy Mulqueen of Middletown

One officer sustained non-life threatening injuries and both officers were transported to Orange Regional Medical Center for observation.

Ninth Judicial District Chief of Security Mary Ellen Murray praised her court officers saying they acted very appropriately and courageously. Adding that their actions probably saved lives.

Early claims by certain media outlets that the gunmen attempted to enter Congressman Hinchey’s office area have been denied by Middletown police who now believe Mayor Joseph DeStefano could have been the target.

According to records on file an order of protection was issued against Mulqueen this past summer after being arrested as short distance from the home of Mayor DeStefano. Mulqueen was acting disorderly and attempted to gain entry to the home looking for the Mayor. DeStefano’s mother and daughters were inside at the time. Police apprehended the man with several weapons on him including a machete.

DeStefano added that the City of Middletown had “landlord issues” with the gunman and it’s quite possible Mulqueen held animosity towards the city.

At a press conference held outside City Hall in Middletown on Wednesday afternoon, Orange County District Attorney Francis Phillips wanted the citizens of Middletown to know that although the end was tragic, the gunman acted alone and they should feel secure.

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