New York City’s ‘War on Gun Crime’... Thousands Mourn at NYPD Funeral

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Seulgina Cho] "How many Wilberts and Jasons, how many police officers have to lose their lives before the system changes? The New York Police Department (NYPD) protects us, but who protects them?"

On the 2nd (local time), thousands of colleagues and citizens paid their respects from the morning at Midtown Manhattan’s 5th Avenue and around St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the tragic death of a young NYPD officer. It was the funeral of Officer Wilbert Mora, who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call in the Harlem area on the evening of the 21st of last month. Officer Jason Rivera, who was dispatched with him, held his funeral last week.

Mora’s sister, Karina Mora, questioned, "The NYPD protects us, but who protects them?" She said, "Crime has ended the lives of two exemplary young men who did their best for their city," and urged the legislature to take action and establish systems, saying, "Enough is enough." New York Mayor Eric Adams, who attended the funeral, once again declared a war on gun violence, promising to "build a city of peace from the ashes of fear."

Recently, concerns about gun violence in New York have been growing. This year alone, there have already been six shooting incidents targeting the NYPD. On the night before Wilbert Mora’s funeral, two men approached on-duty officers in Queens and opened fire. The officers sustained shoulder injuries and were hospitalized, while the two men were arrested.

Mayor Adams, a former police officer who took office earlier this year, referred to the incident the day before, saying, "Last night, we were once again reminded of the dangers and over-proliferation of firearms." He emphasized, "New Yorkers are fighting murderers, and we will not lose." Expressing deep condolences for the deaths of the two young officers, he reiterated at Officer Rivera’s funeral last week that he would provide the necessary resources to make New York safer. Locally, there is growing hope that with a former police officer leading the city, crime rates will decrease.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The New York City government partially revealed plans at the end of last month to strengthen public safety amid concerns about gun violence. The measures included reinstating plainclothes police units disbanded after the 2020 death of George Floyd and deploying additional officers on the streets. Especially after it was confirmed that the guns that took the lives of Officers Mora and Rivera were stolen illegal firearms, calls for related legislative reforms have intensified.

The New York Times (NYT) reported, "Within the first five weeks of Mayor Adams’ tenure, six officers, including Officer Mora, were shot," and "thousands expressed grief at the funeral."

The Associated Press (AP) also reported, "Thousands gathered," and "leaders once again stood at St. Patrick’s Cathedral trying to reassure a worried city." The report mentioned other recent incidents, including a woman pushed onto an oncoming train at Times Square subway station and a robbery murder at a Burger King fast-food restaurant. NBC New York reported that gun-related incidents in New York City have increased by 24% compared to last year.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit New York on the 3rd. During his visit, President Biden is expected to express concern over the recent rise in major crimes in New York City and discuss measures to eradicate gun violence. The White House stated, "We will discuss the administration’s comprehensive plan to prevent gun crime," and "law enforcement efforts against illegal gun traffickers will also be strengthened."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.