2nd New York City police officer dies days after Harlem shooting
ByTheresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
ByTheresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
NEW YORK CITY — A New York City police officer injured last week in a line-of-duty shooting that claimed the life of another officer has died, according to officials.
Police said Officer Wilbert Mora, 27, died Tuesday, four days after he and Officer Jason Rivera, 22, were shot while responding to a report about a dispute between a woman and her son at an apartment in Harlem.
“It’s with great sadness I announce the passing of Police Officer Wilbert Mora,” New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said Tuesday in a statement posted on Twitter.
“Wilbert is (three) times a hero. For choosing a life of service. For sacrificing his life to protect others. For giving life even in death through organ donation. Our heads are bowed (and) our hearts are heavy.”
It’s with great sadness I announce the passing of Police Officer Wilbert Mora.
Wilbert is 3 times a hero. For choosing a life of service. For sacrificing his life to protect others. For giving life even in death through organ donation. Our heads are bowed & our hearts are heavy. pic.twitter.com/8JiWGbUYTn
At a news conference Friday night, officials said Mora and Rivera were shot by 47-year-old Lashawn McNeil after they responded to a report from his mother about an argument between the two. Authorities said no weapons were mentioned during the report.
Rivera died Friday following the shooting. A third officer on the scene, who was not identified, shot McNeil twice as he was trying to leave the area, striking his right arm and his head, officials said. Authorities told The New York Times that McNeil died Monday.
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