Gunman who shot NYPD officers had long criminal history

The gunman who murdered two New York City police officers in their squad car had a long criminal record, a hatred of police and the government and an apparent history of mental instability that included a suicide attempt a year ago, it has emerged.

Moments before opening fire, Ismaaiyl Brinsley approached people in the street in Brooklyn and asked them to follow him on Instagram, then told them “Watch what I’m going to do”, chief of detectives Robert Boyce said.