New York City Councilmember James Davis was shot dead yesterday by a political rival inside New York City Hall. Police said the gunman was then shot dead. The gunman was identified as Othniel Askew who had planned to challenge Davis this fall for his seat in Brooklyn.

Askew reportedly entered the City Hall with Davis and did not go through a metal detector. He then shot Davis in the City Council Chambers.

Davis was a former minister and police officer and a leading critic of gun violence. He was elected to the City Council two years ago.