What Is 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre occurred on December 7, 1993, when Colin Ferguson opened fire on a commuter train in Garden City, New York, killing 6 people and injuring 19 others during rush hour.

Key Facts

The shooting took place on December 7, 1993, on a Long Island Rail Road train near Garden City, New York
Colin Ferguson, a 45-year-old Jamaican-American, was the perpetrator of the attack
Six people were killed and 19 others were injured in the massacre
Ferguson used a 9mm semi-automatic pistol during the 4-minute shooting spree
He was apprehended at the scene after passengers subdued him

Overview

The 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre was a mass shooting that shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about gun control and public safety on commuter transit systems. It occurred during evening rush hour on December 7, 1993, aboard a train traveling from Penn Station in Manhattan to Hicksville, Long Island.

The attack unfolded when Colin Ferguson, a 45-year-old man from New York City, opened fire on passengers seated in the third car of the train. The shooting lasted approximately four minutes and ended only after brave passengers intervened to stop him.

December 7, 1993: The massacre occurred during the evening commute, targeting unsuspecting passengers on a Long Island Rail Road train.
Colin Ferguson: A Jamaican-born U.S. citizen who had expressed grievances about racial injustice and harbored a deep resentment toward society.
Six fatalities: Among the dead were Brian Brennan, 21; Dan McDonald, 34; Michael Quinn, 36; Stephen Siller, 41; Dennis Quinn, 32; and Robert Kelly, 42.
19 injured: Many of the wounded suffered gunshot wounds while trying to flee or shield others during the chaotic four-minute rampage.
9mm semi-automatic pistol: Ferguson used this weapon to fire over 30 rounds, moving from the rear to the front of the car as he shot victims at point-blank range.

How It Works

The term 'massacre' in this context refers to a targeted, indiscriminate act of violence resulting in multiple civilian deaths. In the case of the 1993 LIRR attack, the event unfolded rapidly but with clear intent and planning, as later revealed in court.

Planning and Motive: Ferguson had written a manifesto titled 'The 23rd Psalm Against You,' detailing his belief in a conspiracy against him and justifying violence as retribution.
Boarding the Train: On that day, Ferguson boarded the 5:33 PM train from Penn Station carrying a loaded 9mm pistol concealed in a bag.
Shooting Spree: Starting in the rear of the third car, he fired randomly at passengers, moving forward and reloading once during the attack.
Passenger Intervention: After several minutes, passengers including Anthony Broadwater and Alfonso Hidalgo tackled and disarmed Ferguson despite ongoing danger.
Arrest and Charges: Ferguson was arrested at the scene and later charged with 25 counts, including murder, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Legal Outcome: In 1994, he was convicted on all counts and sentenced to 315 years in prison without parole, where he remains as of 2023.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1993 LIRR massacre to other mass shootings in U.S. history highlights differences in location, motive, and response.

Incident	Date	Location	Deaths	Motive
LIRR Massacre	Dec 7, 1993	Long Island, NY	6	Personal grievance, racial conspiracy
Oklahoma City Bombing	Apr 19, 1995	Oklahoma City, OK	168	Anti-government extremism
Columbine High School	Apr 20, 1999	Littleton, CO	13	Revenge, notoriety
Virginia Tech	Apr 16, 2007	Blacksburg, VA	32	Psychological distress, anger
Sandy Hook	Dec 14, 2012	Newtown, CT	26	Unknown, possible mental illness

While the LIRR massacre had fewer fatalities than other mass shootings, it was notable for occurring in a public transit setting and triggering national debate over gun access and mental health screening. It also led to increased security awareness on commuter rails.

Why It Matters

The 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre had lasting implications for public safety policy, criminal justice, and discussions around race and mental health in America. It remains a pivotal case in understanding how personal grievances can escalate into public violence.

Gun Control Advocacy: The massacre intensified calls for stricter gun laws, especially regarding semi-automatic weapons used in mass shootings.
Passenger Heroism: The bravery of those who subdued Ferguson highlighted civilian roles in crisis intervention and emergency response.
Racial Tensions: Ferguson claimed racial motivations, sparking debate about whether his actions were terrorism or individual pathology.
Legal Precedent: His defense of 'race-based self-help' was rejected, setting a legal standard against justifying violence with personal ideology.
Media Coverage: The case received extensive media attention, influencing public perception of mass shootings and criminal trials.
Memorialization: Victims are remembered annually, and the event is cited in studies on mass violence and prevention strategies.

The LIRR massacre serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of public safety and the importance of vigilance, community response, and systemic reform in preventing future tragedies.