MORE UPDATES, More Statements and Sorrow Surround Brooklyn Police Shooting that took the lives of Officer Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos yesterday in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. 13 year old son of Officer Ramos posted a powerful statement in regards on his Facebook page. Candle light vigil is set for 6PM tonight, a memorial has been set up for the officers by their 84th precinct and symbols around the city are up. NYPD officers lined Woodhull hospital to salute slain officers as ambulance drove them away. Official statements have also been in from President Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, NYPD Commissioner William Bratton, Mayor Bill de Blasio and actions against the mayor at news conference from Woodhull Hospital last night.
As NYPD Union President Patrick Lynch says “There’s blood is on many hands…we tried to warn…” Jaden Ramos, the son of slain Officer Ramos has commented bravely. “He was the best father I could ask for…RIP Dad.” #AllLivesMatter
More Statements and Sorrow Surround Brooklyn Police Shooting as we continue to add to the previous updates.
Jaden Ramos, son of slain Officer Rafael Ramos age 40 has posted a message on his facebook page (check it out in the gallery), stating:
Today I had to say bye to my father. He was their for me everyday of my life, he was the best father I could ask for. It’s horrible that someone gets shot dead just for being a police officer. Everyone says they hate cops but they are the people that they call for help. I will always love you and I will never forget you. RIP Dad.
The Bronx and Manhattan Borough Presidents gathered this morning to pay their respects at the 84th precinct and speak to the press. Manhattan Borough President Gayle Brewer stated, “We are ALL one in this,” echoing the #AllLivesMatter sentiment and denouncing hate on either side of the situation. There’s a lot of anger being thrown at Mayor de Blasio or at #BlackLivesMatter protestors, though many stand firm in believing the only blood on anyone’s hands is that on the hands of gunman Ismaaiyl Brinsley who committed the murder.
In regards to the candle light vigil being held tonight at 6PM at the scene of the murder, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams adds:
“”We want to send a very clear and loud message that what happened yesterday was a strike at public safety and that which we hold dear,” he said. “We are asking all New Yorkers to turn this page into purpose…All lives matter.”
More Statements and Sorrow Surround Brooklyn Police Shooting
Flags are being flown at half staff around the city including at 1 Police Plaza in memorial of Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos who were murdered in an ambush yesterday afternoon, by also deceased 28 year old Ismaaiyl Brinsley in Myrtle and Tomkins Avenues in Brooklyn. It’s reported that Officer Wenjian Liu age 32 was a seven year veteran and had just been married two months ago. Officer Ramos was a two year veteran who had just turned 40, and leaves a wife and 13 year old son as previously stated. A memo circulated last night by police headquarters to slow down the work load of the NYPD and to “only make arrests if absolutely necessary.” Clearly more effort to calm down tensions and prevent any more incidents in this situation’s wake.
The precinct of the officers has since been draped in ceremonial bunting of black and purple. In addition residents, family members and supporters are leaving flowers, candles and well wishes at the memorial site. It’s reported a bible has been left open at the memorial, at Psalms 23.
More Statements and Sorrow Surround Brooklyn Police Shooting as Reverend Al Sharpton and Eric Garner’s mother held a brief press conference to add to his previous statement from his National Action Network in Harlem. Also calling for a meeting between faith leaders this week to examine the situation’s effect on communities and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Eric Garner’s mother says she is sorry that this has happened and people have been protesting peacfully as whole. Sharpton adds the connection of the movements and blaming the mayor is not at all a solution. He continues in saying:
“We are in intense threat of people who are misguided, of an ugly spirit who wishes to connect our names and the mayor to something that the media is already twisting. This is not a generational thing, it is a morals thing. There are those committed to non-violence and not reckless anarchism.”
The Rev. highlighted the Mahatma Ghandi quote “an eye for an eye only leaves the whole world blind” and that violence is absolutely not the answer. This comes as some police supporters are saying “this means war.”
As for More Statements and Sorrow Surround Brooklyn Police Shooting, the the Head of the NYPD Union who’s been very vocal as previously reported made it clear that the Union is not in support of Mayor de Blasio. They actually came to Woodhull Hospital last night and lined the hallways into the street with their backs turned as the mayor left the press conference. (The dramatics!)
Attorney General Eric Holder has now weighed in and among other things had this to say:
“I condemn this afternoon’s senseless shooting of two New York City police officers in the strongest possible terms. This was an unspeakable act of barbarism, and I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of these two brave officers in the line of duty.
“Our nation must always honor the valor–and the sacrifices–of all law enforcement officers with a steadfast commitment to keeping them safe. This means forging closer bonds between officers and the communities they serve, so that public safety is not a cause that is served by a courageous few, but a promise that’s fulfilled by police officials and citizens working side by side.”
Some say the time for “forging better relationships” is too little, too late.
President Obama said in his statement:
“I unconditionally condemn today’s murder of two police officers in New York City. These officers will not be going home to their loved ones and for that, there is no justification. Officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day and they deserve our respect and gratitude every single day.”
Attorney General Holder has said the Feds will provide “every resource possible” in the investigation of this homicide-suicide.
Brooklyn resident Alexander Rusti was next door neighbor of Officer Ramos and is still stunned to hear of the deaths. “Its unbelievable” he says, “I used to see him everyday, going to see his son, to play basketball.”
UPDATES, Statements and Sorrow Surround Brooklyn Police Shooting we’ll stay informed as the story develops.
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Additional Sources: NY1 Live Broadcast
