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Incident
Patrolman Paul Luther was shot and killed while on patrol near a restaurant. A sniper opened fire on the establishment, fatally wounding Patrolman Luther, who had given him a speeding ticket two hours earlier. He also killed a man, 51, as he sat in the crowded restaurant, and wounded 9 other people. During the siege, he fired over 300 rounds and only quit after a fire started in his apartment. During the siege he shot and seriously another policeman. Had used eight different rifles. The sniper, 32, pleaded guilty in June 1977 to two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. He was convicted of eight counts of attempted murder and sentenced to 8 to 25 years on each count. He was convicted of three counts of first degree assault and sentenced to 15 years. The killer was denied parole for a sixth time in June, 2013, and a seventh time in 2019. He was still in prison on July 15, 2022. The incident drew national attention at time when our country was less accustomed to mass shootings. At his 2019 parole hearing he said the speeding ticket was not the reason for his rampage. He said he new he shot a patrolman but did know he was Patrolman Luther. He said six months earlier he went to the police about issues with his family. He said the police left him frustrated. He said that, alcoholism, and flashbacks of Vietnam was the motive for his rage. Patrolman Luther was also the president of the local fire company. He was survived by his parents. The same day Patrolman Luther lost his life, he had taken the exam that would allow him to be a full time patrolman.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Auxiliary Policeman Luther served with the Mechanicville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Mechanicville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Auxiliary Policeman Luther.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Paul is the only officer of Mechanicville Police Department remembered here.
Paul is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1976, 7 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Paul was 21. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Paul had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Paul was 21. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 21. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.1% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Saturdays: 14.5%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Mechanicville Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Mechanicville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.