But critics have questioned how the pursuit of petty criminals has escalated to the use of lethal force in crowded spaces.
The city’s interim police chief, Tom Dunlon, ordered a full investigation, but added, “Without a doubt, what happened was the result of an armed offender.”
Police did not release the names of those involved.
Javin Wong, executive director of the Legal Aid Society’s Police Accountability Project, told The New York Times that police were putting lives at risk by “deciding to use disproportionate force in confined spaces.”
New York Police Commissioner Jeffrey Maddrey said at a news conference that two officers saw a man climb over the barrier without paying.
Mr Madri said body camera footage showed the suspect threatening to “kill” police if they followed him, then confronting them with a knife.
The video shows the train pulling into the station as the confrontation escalates. Police use their Tasers to try to get on board the train, but it doesn’t work and he jumps back onto the platform.
“At one point he approaches one of the officers with a knife,” Mr Madri said. “The officer steps back and draws his weapon, and at that point both officers shoot.”
Two bystanders, a police officer and the suspect were injured.
Mr. Madri said the officer realized he had been shot in the armpit but continued to administer “life-saving measures” to the suspect. The two officers then realized two bystanders had also been shot. Two other officers arrived and helped the injured.
Officials said the suspect has 20 prior arrests and a history of serious mental illness.
MTA CEO Jano Lieber said the incident started with “someone trying to access our transit system with a weapon. This individual… has a criminal record, a violent record, and a firearms record.”
