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New York City police have shot and killed a hatchet-wielding man they say attacked a patrol officer without warning.

Police Commissioner William Bratton said Thursday that investigators were still trying to identify the assailant and determine a motive. He said they hadn’t ruled out a possible terrorism connection.

Police say the attack occurred at about 2 p.m. Thursday during rain storm on a busy Queens street.

They say the man charged a group of uniformed officers and struck one in the back of head with the hatchet. Other officers responded by firing several rounds at the man. He died at the scene.

The officer is in critical but stable condition and is expected to undergo surgery.

(AP)