Slain NYPD Officers Receive Farewell Salute As Bodies Leave Woodhull Hospital
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed that flags on all state government buildings in the city be flown at half-staff in honor of the two murdered New York City police officers on Sunday.
"I join with all New Yorkers in mourning the loss of Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos," Cuomo said. "Like all law enforcement personnel, Officers Liu and Ramos put their lives on the line in order to serve their communities, and it is with great sadness that we mourn their passing after a senseless and deplorable act of violence. My thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of these two brave men. We will remember their service with pride and endless gratitude."
President Barack Obama also personally called Police Commissioner Bill Bratton Sunday to express his condolences and offer support.
"...In their conversation, the President reiterated his call for the American people to reject violence and words that harm, and turn to words that heal – prayer, patient dialogue, and sympathy for the friends and family of the fallen," White House Spokesperson Eric Schultz said. "The President told Commissioner Bratton that his staff would continue to monitor the situation in New York, and that Administration officials would be working with leaders across the country to echo the same message..."
The officers received a farewell salute as their bodies left Woodhull hospital.
Police say a lone gunman ambushed Officer Rafael Ramos, 40, and Officer Wenjian Liu, 32, on Saturday afternoon outside of the Tompkins Houses, a high crime area.
The cops were on a special crime reduction patrol because of complaints about crime in the neighborhood, CBS2's Dick Brennan reported.
"He took a shooting stance on the passenger side and fired the weapon, his weapon several times through the front passenger window, striking both officers in the head," Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said.
Slain NYPD Officers Receive Farewell Salute As Bodies Leave Woodhull Hospital
Investigators say officers chased the shooter, 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley, who disappeared into the Myrtle Avenue subway station.
"While on the platform, Grimsely shot himself in the head and took his own life," Bratton added.
EMTs rushed the officers to Woodhull Hospital, less than a mile from the scene of the shooting, but doctors couldn't save them.
"Our city is in mourning. Our hearts are heavy," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
As police investigate a motive, they point to anti-cop Instagram postings allegedly made by Brinsley, some referenced the garner case. Police are now looking at those postings.
One posting included a picture of a handgun and read in part, "I'm putting wings on pigs today, they take one of our lets take two of theirs."
Another picture showed what appeared to be blood on a pair of jeans and references to Brooklyn.
Outside of the hospital, Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Patrick Lynch hurled harsh words at Mayor de Blasio.
"There's blood on many hands tonight. Under the guise of protests," Lynch said, "That blood on the hands starts on the steps of City Hall in the office of the mayor."
The mayor responded with a statement that read, in part, "It's unfortunate that in a time of great tragedy, some would resort to irresponsible, overheated rhetoric that angers and divides people."
The Brooklyn Nets honored the slain officers with a moment of silence before their 6 p.m. game against Detroit.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was at the scene of the shooting on Sunday. He called for peace and unity, and for protesters to halt demonstrations until the officers are laid to rest.
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