Earlier, at 10:44 a.m., police believe the same man placed a 911 call during which he reported four people armed with a firearm were “looking to harm him,” Cox said.
At the apartment building, the clinician and police communicated with the man through an apartment door, Cox said. He then “opened the door” and stabbed an officer in the arm with the sword and knocked the EMS clinician to the ground, he said.
Officers fired at least one Taser and a service weapon at the man, who was treated at the scene and then taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Cox said.
The injured officer sustained lacerations and was taken to a different hospital, he said. Additional officers were also taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to Cox.
“It was a sword involved. Certainly, someone was attacked and injured,” Cox said. “Certainly the use of a firearm would have been probably justified in this case.”
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden said his office is investigating the shooting. He described the scene as “chaotic.”
“There were a number of first responders, both from a mental health perspective, as well as members of the Boston Police Department, doing everything they could to deal with a difficult situation and an individual who was clearly in some sort of mental distress,” Hayden said at the news conference.
The clinician and a second Boston EMS worker were taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, an agency spokesperson said.
In a statement, Mayor Michelle Wu offered prayers for the injured officers and EMS workers and extended “our thoughts” to the deceased man’s loved ones.
“We are deeply grateful for the bravery and service of our first responders, who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect residents and keep our communities safe,” Wu said.
Police are investigating the man’s report about individuals armed with a firearm, officials said.
Cox also offered condolences to the family of the deceased man and wished a speedy recovery to the injured public safety personnel.
Boston police formed a search line outside the scene of a shooting. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
“It’s a very sad event for all those involved,” Cox said.
In a statement, Larry Calderone, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, described the incident as an example of the job’s dangers and “how life-saving decisions” need to be made within seconds.
“Thank goodness our officers’ injuries were non-fatal at this time and they will be able to be home for Easter with their families,” he said.
The incident followed the fatal shooting last month of a carjacking suspect, Stephenson King, 39, by a Boston police officer.
Hayden’s office later charged Officer Nicholas O’Malley, 33, with manslaughter in King’s death, alleging his actions were unreasonable and unjustified.
O’Malley has pleaded not guilty and Calderone has described the prosecution as “a complete tragedy” and a slap in the face to other law enforcement officers.
The episode also put a spotlight on the high stakes involved when police respond to calls involving people facing a mental health crisis.
The injured EMS clinician belongs to the Boston Emergency Services Team, who are available to join officers dealing with a person experiencing mental distress.
Boston police have been partnering with the program since 2011, according to the department’s website.
Caitlin McLaughlin, a Boston EMS spokesperson, said in a statement that the incident demonstrates the risks staff face and the sacrifices they make while performing their duties.
“Members of Boston EMS show up to save lives — not to be assaulted,” she said. “No one should face violence for simply doing their job.”
A special order from Cox from last November provides officers with guidance for interacting with people experiencing behavioral health challenges.
The policy describes response procedures, options for requesting assistance from a mental health clinician and emergency medical services, and resources officers can offer people in need.
During the news conference, Cox said the use of force in such circumstances is based on the “threat that’s involved.”
A Boston Emergency Medical Services worker and Boston police were at the scene on Hemenway St. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Law enforcement responses to mental health crisis calls have drawn criticism because some encounters have ended in civilian deaths.
Last month, three disability rights organizations filed a federal lawsuit against the Worcester Police Department, charging that its 911 program discriminates against those with mental health disabilities.
In 2024, the city of Boston agreed to pay $4.7 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the mother of Terrence Coleman.
Boston police shot and killed Coleman, 31, who was mentally ill, in 2016 after his mother called 911 in an effort to get him help.
The violence on Saturday came at a time of heightened alert on Northeastern’s campus.
On Wednesday at about 8:19 a.m., a person was stabbed near the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Gainsborough Street and sustained, non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.
Police charged Stephen O. Dantzler Jr., 58, who pleaded not guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, court records show.
On March 27, a Northeastern student was stabbed outside the Marino Recreation Center, a short distance from Hemenway Street.
Cox and Hayden said the stabbings were not connected to Saturday’s incident.
Still, some students said the recent violence has created unease on campus.
Charlotte Fourie, a Northeastern undergraduate student, said she was speaking with her roommate Saturday morning when she heard sirens as police cars approached.
Students shared photos and posts from the scene on a phone app, which Fourie said she monitored for updates.
“This is not the norm,” she said. “It does make me feel a little unsafe.”
Laura Crimaldi can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @lauracrimaldi.
