Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Sergeant John Donohue was shot and killed by an emotionally disturbed man. Detective Donohue heard several shots in front of West 135th Street near 5th Avenue, Manhattan. Detective Donohue and two other policemen went to investigate. They observed a probationary patrolman firing shots into a crowd of people. Detective Donohue leaped to seize the suspect's gun, and the suspect shouted: “I’m a Policeman” and fired again. Detective Donohue was struck with one of the shots. The two other policemen then exchanged shots with the suspect. The suspect was hit six times and died two days later. Detective Donohue was taken to the hospital where he remained for some time. He was released back to his home but died from his wound four months later. Detective Donohue had served with the New York City Police Department for 18 years and assigned to the 3rd Detective District of the Detective Division.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-1CF703F1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Sergeant Donohue gave the New York City Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sergeant Donohue.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Sergeant John T. Donohue is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John T. Donohue's cause is highlighted.
How John T. Donohue Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John T. Donohue is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John T. Donohue was killed by handgun; .25 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
