Bronx Post Reporter 1
New York City justice system is under fire following a harrowing incident where a violent repeat offender with a long criminal history shot and injured an NYPD officer and a bystander in Queens.
The assailant, reportedly on lifetime parole despite 17 prior arrests, has reignited calls for sweeping reforms in the criminal justice system.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), addressed the media outside Jamaica Hospital, where the injured officer is recovering.
“We are truly grateful that our hero brother is on the road to recovery here at Jamaica Hospital,” Hendry began, praising the bravery and dedication of NYPD officers.
Reflecting on the unpredictable risks officers face, Hendry continued, “As police officers, when we come to work every day and we stand in that roll call, we never know what type of job we’re going to respond to. This police officer didn’t know he was gonna end up in this emergency room at Jamaica Hospital. He didn’t know when he ran out of the 103 station house. When he heard a robbery in progress, he didn’t know he was gonna confront a brazen, dangerous career criminal that didn’t think twice about killing a New York City police officer.”
Hendry emphasized the NYPD’s commitment to public safety: “All New Yorkers, you can depend on New York City police officers to do our jobs. We will continue to take dangerous criminals off the streets. We have your back.”
However, Hendry’s gratitude was tempered by frustration over the state of the justice system. He pointed out the alarming criminal history of the suspect, who had been arrested seven times while on lifetime parole. “What does lifetime parole mean? I think we all would agree. You get arrested, you stay behind bars when you’re on lifetime parole. But it didn’t happen here. Our criminal justice system is broken from the top to the bottom.”
Calling for immediate action, Hendry declared, “New York City police officers are sick and tired of being assaulted on the streets. We are sick and tired of being shot at. It has to end. We need all New Yorkers, once and for all, to demand change in our criminal justice system.”
He also highlighted the ongoing fight for justice, referencing another fallen officer, Jonathan Dilla, whose alleged killer is currently on trial. “We will continue to be in courthouses across this city, demanding change. And I invite all New Yorkers to show up with us. Demand change in our criminal justice system. It needs to change. What is it going to take? The time is now.”
Hendry concluded his impassioned plea with a stark warning: “Change the criminal justice system top to bottom. It has to be done. Lives depend on it. We need that change, and we need it now.”
The incident has reignited debates over policies that allow violent repeat offenders to remain free, with advocates like Hendry urging New Yorkers to rally for immediate and decisive reforms.
