2. A Minute-by-Minute Breakdown of the Malta Barracks Shooting
On April 9, 2025, at approximately 1:43 p.m., a quiet spring afternoon in Malta, New York, was shattered by the sounds of gunfire erupting outside the Saratoga Barracks, a New York State Police facility situated off Route 9, nestled in one of the Capital Region’s more tranquil communities. The suspect, David Levin, 65, a longtime resident of the area, arrived at the scene driving a dark-colored sedan. Witnesses later told investigators that there was “nothing obviously suspicious” about his approach — at first.
1:42 p.m. — Arrival at the Scene
Security camera footage reviewed by law enforcement shows Levin parking his vehicle in a lot adjacent to the police station. He exited the car calmly, not in any visible rush or distress. However, what followed next unfolded with unnerving speed.
Within seconds, Levin retrieved what authorities have now identified as a 12-gauge shotgun — a legally purchased firearm — from the trunk or back seat. Carrying the weapon in full view, he made his way toward the main entrance of the barracks.
1:43 p.m. — First Shots Fired
The first of multiple rounds was fired at the building’s façade. The initial shots struck the brick and glass structure near its main entry, startling both troopers and administrative staff inside. The State Police later confirmed that at least three rounds made impact with the station itself, though no injuries occurred inside.
Multiple calls were made to 911 by civilians who heard the gunshots from nearby businesses and homes. One witness from a gas station across the road reported, “It sounded like a cannon went off — then another, and another. People were ducking behind cars. I saw officers run out almost instantly.”
1:44 p.m. — Troopers Respond
Hearing the gunfire, multiple troopers stationed inside the building grabbed their service weapons and approached the front of the facility cautiously. Emerging from two side exits, officers quickly took tactical positions and shouted repeated verbal commands to Levin to drop his weapon.
According to a preliminary statement from State Police spokesperson Sapharie O’Neil, Levin failed to comply and instead raised his firearm again — this time directly toward the responding officers.
1:45 p.m. — Use of Deadly Force
Faced with a clear and imminent threat, officers discharged their weapons. Several rounds struck Levin in the torso and legs. He collapsed almost immediately onto the pavement in front of the station. Officers quickly secured the weapon, approached to assess his condition, and called for emergency medical response.
Despite efforts by responding paramedics, Levin was pronounced dead at the scene just minutes later.
1:50 p.m. — Lockdown and Containment
As is standard protocol in an active shooter scenario, the station and surrounding area were immediately placed on lockdown. Officers cleared the scene, ensuring that there were no accomplices or secondary threats. K-9 units were brought in to sweep Levin’s vehicle for explosives or additional firearms, though none were found.
1:55 p.m. — Notification and Escalation
By this time, State Police headquarters in Albany had been alerted, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office — which is legally mandated to investigate all police-involved fatalities — was dispatched. The Office of Special Investigation (OSI), a division within the AG’s office, was placed in charge of the independent review of the incident.
2:15 p.m. — Media Presence and Road Closures
Word of the shooting began to circulate through local media and on social media platforms. Residents near the barracks reported blocked roads, an influx of law enforcement vehicles, and the presence of NYSP helicopters overhead.
Local schools were briefly placed in a precautionary hold-in-place status until it was confirmed that the threat had been neutralized and there was no danger to the community.
That wraps up a comprehensive incident timeline.
Next, we can expand Section 3: Who Was David Levin?, which will examine the background of the individual involved — including his life in Malta, any known mental health issues, possible motivations, and community reactions to his identity being released. Want me to dive into that next?
