2nd New York City police officer dies days after Harlem shooting
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By Theresa 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.”
Mayor Eric Adams echoed Sewell’s sentiments, saying Mora was a hero who “served his city, protected his community and gave his life for our safety.”
“Our city is in mourning,” he said. “To his family, loved ones and brothers and sisters in the NYPD: Your city is standing with you today and always.”
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.
Harlem vigil Mounted New York City Police Department officers gather for a candlelight vigil outside NYPD Officer Wilbert Mora's apartment building in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil A makeshift memorial is seen outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd Precinct near the scene of a shooting days earlier in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil People gather for a candlelight vigil outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd Precinct, near the scene of a shooting days earlier in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil Mounted New York City Police Department officers gather for a candlelight vigil outside NYPD Officer Wilbert Mora's apartment building in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil A makeshift memorial is setup outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd precinct near the scene of a shooting where two officers were shot in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil A person lights a candle during a vigil outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd Precinct, near the scene of a shooting days earlier in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil People hold candles during a vigil outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd precinct near the scene of a shooting where two officers were shot in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil A New York City Police Department officer lights a candle at a makeshift memorial outside the NYPD's 32nd Precinct, near the scene of a shooting days earlier in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil NYPD officers attend a candlelight vigil outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd precinct near the scene of a shooting where two officers were shot in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil A makeshift memorial is seen outside the apartment building of New York City Police Department Officer Wilbert Mora, in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil People pray during a candlelight vigil outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd precinct near the scene of a shooting where two officers were shot in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil People light candles at a makeshift memorial outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd Precinct near the scene of a shooting days earlier in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil A makeshift memorial is seen outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd Precinct, near the scene of a shooting days earlier in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil A makeshift memorial is seen outside the apartment building of New York City Police Department Officer Wilbert Mora, in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil People gather for a candlelight vigil outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd precinct near the scene of a shooting where two officers were shot in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Harlem vigil A person prays during a candlelight vigil outside the New York City Police Department's 32nd precinct near the scene of a shooting where two officers were shot in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (Yuki Iwamura/AP)