Gunman in East Boston Police Shooting: What We Know

BOSTON, MA — Boston Police have identified the gunman killed in last night's officer-involved shooting as Kirk Figueroa, believed to have multiple felonies on record and known to be a sworn constable with the City of Boston.

Police say the late-night violence began with a call about a domestic dispute at 136 Gladstone St. Figueroa shot two responding officers while wearing a bulletproof vest, according to Boston Police Commissioner William Evans. He was subsequently shot dead by police, Evans told reporters in a 2:15 a.m. press conference.

The two officers are recovering after surgery Thursday morning, but remain in critical condition, according to the latest update from police.

Latest updates: Boston Police Officers in Critical Condition, Expected to Survive

Timeline of Horror and Heroism in East Boston Police Shooting

Here's what we know about Figueroa, so far, according to the Boston Police Department and to a biography posted to a security firm's website:

• He is 33 years old.
• He is an East Boston resident, with previous addresses in Florida, West Virginia and Texas, as well as possible additional locations.
• He was wearing a bulletproof vest and wielding what police described as a "tactical shotgun" during Wednesday night's shooting.
• He did not have a license to carry in Massachusetts.
• An online biography identifies Figueroa as the founder of Code Blue Protection Corp., a former member of the U.S. Army Reserve's Military Police Battalion and a constable in the City of Boston.
• However, a U.S. Army spokesperson told The Boston Globe he didn't attend basic training, and Florida state records indicate his investigator's license was denied.
• The city clerk's office has confirmed to multiple outlets, including FOX 25 News, that Figueroa was a certified constable, sworn in this year.
• He had no local criminal record but is believed to have several felonies elsewhere around the country, including one for impersonating a police officer and another charge of arson, according to Evans.

Constables are approved by the mayor and members of city council, then sworn in by the city clerk. Their powers largely concern civil matters, such as serving subpoenas, Evans said.

Evans told reporters that the background checks for constables in Boston are limited to local criminal background checks and by law cannot access the FBI's national database.

Looking at those local records, police found "nothing that would prohibit us from issuing him a Constable license here," Evans said.

Code Blue Protection did not return Patch's request for comment.

This story has been updated to reflect developing information provided by Boston Police and other sources. Last updated 4:15 p.m.

Photo via Code Blue Protection Corp.