1 NYPD officer killed, another "fighting for his life" after shooting in Harlem
A 22-year-old NYPD officer was shot and killed Friday night while responding to a call for service in Harlem, city officials said. Another officer was wounded and is "fighting for his life to survive."
"Tonight, we mourn the loss of a hero officer — a son, husband, and friend," the NYPD said overnight. "Only 22 years old, Police Officer Jason Rivera was murdered in the line of duty."
Wilbert Mora, 27, was critically injured.
Tonight, we mourn the loss of a hero officer — a son, husband, and friend. Only 22 years old, Police Officer Jason Rivera was murdered in the line of duty. We vow to #NeverForget Jason as his fellow Finest vow to honor his tremendous legacy of service & the ultimate sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/5zsx45XiM4
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) January 22, 2022
The incident occurred after a mother called to say she was in a dispute with her son, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said at a press conference Friday night. When officers arrived and met with the woman at approximately 6:15 p.m., she said her son was in the back bedroom at the end of a long and narrow hallway.
As two officers walked down the hall, the door swung upon and "numerous shots were fired," Essig said. A third officer, who had stayed with the woman, then confronted the suspect and shot him in the arm and the head.
He was identified by Essig as 47-year-old Lashawn McNeil, who is hospitalized in critical condition.
Essig said a Glock 45 high-capacity magazine was recovered on the scene. The firearm had been stolen in Baltimore in 2017, he said.
Sewell said this is the fifth time this month that an officer has been shot. "I am struggling to find the words to express the tragedy we're enduring. We're mourning, and we're angry," she said.
Mayor Eric Adams, who also spoke at the press conference, condemned the attack and directed flags at city buildings to be flown at half staff.
"It is our city against the killers…" Adams said. "This just was not an attack on three brave officers, this was an attack on the city of New York."
President Biden tweeted Saturday that he and the first lady were saddened by the news. "We're keeping them and their families in our prayers. Officers put on the badge and head into harm's way every day. We're grateful to them and their families for their extraordinary sacrifice."
New York Senator and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also expressed condolences, tweeting that he was "devastated" by the news.
"Our prayers are with them, their families, and all who loved them," Schumer said.