Winthrop Shooting Victims ID'd, Hate Rhetoric Tied To Gunman: DA

WINTHROP, MA — Authorities believe the gunman who fatally shot two people in Winthrop Saturday may have targeted the victims based on their race.

Investigators found "troubling white supremacy rhetoric and statements" written by 28-year-old Nathan Allen, including drawings of swastikas and statements about white people being "apex predators," Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.

Rollins said after crashing a stolen truck, Allen "chose only to shoot and kill the two Black people he encountered," retired Massachusetts State Police trooper David Green, 58, and Air Force veteran Ramona Cooper, 60.

Green was repeatedly shot in the head, neck and torso. Police are investigating whether he tried to engage the suspect to end the threat. Cooper was shot several times in the back.

"This shooter was married and employed. He had a Ph.D. and no criminal history. To all external sources he likely appeared unassuming," Rollins said. "And then, yesterday afternoon he stole a box truck, crashed it into another vehicle and a property, walked away from the wreckage interacting with multiple individuals and choosing only to shoot and kill the two Black people he encountered."

The Massachusetts State Police first identified Green as a victim of the shooting, calling him "widely respected and well-liked by his fellow troopers."

"From what we learned yesterday, he was held in equally-high regard by his neighbors and friends in Winthrop," State Police Col. Christopher Mason said.

Green began his law enforcement career with the Metropolitan District Commission in 1980, joining the Massachusetts State Police 12 years later when the two agencies were merged into the MSP.

Green spent much of his career assigned to the Boston Barracks at Leverett Circle and retired on Dec. 31, 2016.

"Trooper David Green more than upheld the ideals of integrity, professionalism, and service to others that are the hallmarks of a great trooper," Mason said. "We are heartbroken by his loss and offer our condolences to his family and friends."

The shooting happened around 2:45 p.m. Saturday after Allen crashed a stolen semi truck into a building on Veterans Road, police said. He was shot by a Winthrop police sergeant after refusing commands to drop his weapon, Rollins said.

Allen died from his injuries at the hospital.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, who represents Winthrop, said she is "heartbroken and outraged" over Saturday's tragedy and thanked the first responders who intervened "before more lives were taken."

"While some details are still unknown, we have learned that our community has been targeted by hate-fueled violence, a reality that is far too common in America," Clark said. "The shooter was motivated by anti-Semitism and racism and was ready to inflict even greater harm on our community. In this time of mourning, we must stand together and reject these abhorrent values. Hate has no place here or anywhere."

Related: 3 Dead In Winthrop Shooting, Including Suspected Gunman