NY Gov blames ‘shot from an illegal gun’ for killing of NYPD officers

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said the ambush shooting of two New York City police officers Friday signaled the need for congressional action in Washington, D.C. to help “fight the scourge of illegal guns on our streets.”

“Our hearts and prayers are with the families and the members of the NYPD, but also, it’s a resounding call to action,” Hochul said during a press conference in Buffalo on Saturday. “We have to do more to fight the scourge of illegal guns on our streets. And we need Washington teaming up with us, teaming up with locals, to get it done.”

Last night, a shot from an illegal gun took the life of a @NYPDnews officer.

When I say we’re going to do everything we can to stop the scourge of illegal guns in our state, it’s not just talk. We are tripling funding for efforts to get these guns off the streets. pic.twitter.com/zXv0xbL4Em

— Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 22, 2022

New York City Police Officers Jason Rivera, 22, and Wilbert Mora, 27, were shot at a Harlem apartment Friday night while answering a call about an argument between a woman and her adult son. Rivera died from his injuries and Mora is in life-threatening condition with a serious head wound, officials said.

The man police say shot the officers, Lashawn J. McNeil, 47, also was critically wounded and hospitalized, authorities said. McNeil was on probation for a 2003 felony narcotics conviction in New York City and had a lengthy criminal history, police said. – READ MORE