President Joe Biden expressed sadness Saturday afternoon on the shooting of NYPD police officers who were responding to a domestic violence call at an apartment in Harlem on Friday.
Biden said he and his first lady will offer prayers for slain rookie police officer Jason Rivera, 22, and his partner Wilbert Mora, 27, who was critically injured in the deadly shooting.
“We’re keeping them and their families in our prayers,” Biden tweeted.
“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,” Biden added.
Jill and I are saddened to hear two NYPD officers were shot last night — one fatally. 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.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 22, 2022
Sources said the accused gunman in the shooting identified as Lashawn McNeil was shot by a third cop who joined the police operation.
Meanwhile, on Saturday evening, hundreds of residents and members of NYPD gathered outside the NYPD’s 32nd precinct in Harlem to mourn the death of Rivera.
NYPD officer Victor Guzman of the 32nd precinct said they always remember Rivera as a jolly person who loves his job dearly.
“He was always smiling, a friendly guy,” Guzman said.
“He was young, 22 years old. It’s a lot,” Guzman added.
Among those who joined the vigil are New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
Adams said the city is battling a small number of people who want to sow violence to the city.
”We know some would say 95 percent of the city is good. I say 99 percent of the city is good. Let’s weed out that 1 percent,” Adams said.
“We are not going to be intimidated by those who believe we should look down on the men and women who put on their bulletproof vests, stand on street corners protecting children and families as though they should be ashamed of the occupation that they are holding in the city,” Adams added.
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