New York City has marked the beginning of 2026 with a tragic series of incidents, recording its first murder and a fatal traffic collision just hours into the new year. The violence unfolded early Thursday morning, claiming the lives of two men in separate occurrences across the Bronx and Queens.
Shortly before 7 a.m., a 55-year-old Uber driver identified as Issa Mbolo-Isac was shot and killed near the intersection of Morris Avenue and the Cross Bronx Expressway. Authorities discovered Mbolo-Isac suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. According to sources, he was en route to a mosque after completing a long shift on New Year’s Eve when the assault occurred.
Fernando Mateo, chair of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, spoke highly of Mbolo-Isac, describing him as a devoted individual who often gave his time to help others. Mateo revealed that the driver had just ended a phone call with his brother when he was approached by two assailants who attempted to force their way into his vehicle. In a desperate bid to escape, Mbolo-Isac accelerated, but the men opened fire on the car.
In a bid to gather information leading to the arrest of the shooters, the federation is offering a $10,000 reward—a significant gesture that marks their largest reward initiative to date. Mateo conveyed the family’s deep sorrow, stating, “His entire family is just mourning in a state of shock.”
Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with Mbolo-Isac’s murder. Shortly before this shooting, a separate fatal incident occurred in Corona. Around 4 a.m., two men were struck by a white SUV while crossing 102nd Street and 37th Avenue. The collision was so severe that one of the men was thrown into a parked vehicle, leading to his death at the scene.
The identity of the deceased pedestrian has not been disclosed, while the second victim, a 24-year-old male, was transported to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition. Investigators are actively searching for the driver responsible for the hit-and-run, who fled the scene immediately after the crash.
The unfortunate events early in the year have raised concerns about safety in New York City. As the investigations unfold, community leaders and residents are left grappling with the shocking realities of violence that mar what should be a time of celebration and new beginnings.