Teen son of slain New York City officer posts: 'RIP Dad'
The killing this weekend of two New York City police officers as they sat in their patrol car left many people devastated. But a message from the teenage son of one of the officers is a heartbreak in itself.
"Today is the worst day of my life," 13-year-old Jaden Ramos posted on Facebook about the slaying of his father, Rafael Ramos.
"Today I had to say bye to my father," the teenager wrote. "He was (there) for me everyday of my life, he was the best father I could ask for. It's horrible that someone gets shot dead just for being a police officer. Everyone says they hate cops but they are the people that they call for help. I will always love you and I will never forget you. RIP Dad."
Police Officer Rafael Ramos Police Officer Wenjian Liu
On Saturday, Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu were assigned to an area of the borough that has more crime than their usual beat in downtown Brooklyn, police said.
Police identified the gunman as 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley. Witnesses saw Brinsley walk to the car and assume what they described as a shooting stance. New York Police Commissioner William Bratton said Brinsley fired several times. Ramos and Liu were shot in the head.
The officers were "shot and killed with no warning, no provocation," Bratton said. "They were, quite simply, assassinated."
At a nearby subway station, Brinsley was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.
The families of the fallen officers rushed to Woodhull Medical Center on Saturday, as dozens of officers gathered.
Ramos had just turned 40; Liu had been married two months ago.
Both had dreamed of being police officers, Bratton said.
"One of the unfortunate realities of policing is that you put that blue uniform on and you become part of the thin blue line between us and anarchy," Bratton said.
He sent a memo to NYPD officers about the killings, saying the officers were "targeted for their uniform, and for the responsibility they embraced: to keep the people of this city safe."
Liu and Ramos "will be remembered," he wrote. "They will join a line that is too long, a line of partners who served together and made the ultimate sacrifice together." The memo then named other officers who have lost their lives. "May God grant Officer Wenjian Liu and Officer Rafael Ramos rest. And to all members of the service, be safe," he said.
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo directed that all flags on state government buildings in New York City be flown at half-staff.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Bratton met with the families of the victims.
"When a police officer is murdered, it tears at the foundation of our society," the mayor said. "It is an attack on the very concept of decency."
President Barack Obama condemned the shooting, and called Bratton on Sunday to express condolences for the slain officers.
"Two brave men won't be going home to their loved ones tonight, and for that, there is no justification," Obama said in a statement. "The officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day -- and they deserve our respect and gratitude every single day."
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called the attack "an unspeakable act of barbarism."
"Today is the worst day of my life," 13-year-old Jaden Ramos posted on Facebook about the slaying of his father, Rafael Ramos.
"Today I had to say bye to my father," the teenager wrote. "He was (there) for me everyday of my life, he was the best father I could ask for. It's horrible that someone gets shot dead just for being a police officer. Everyone says they hate cops but they are the people that they call for help. I will always love you and I will never forget you. RIP Dad."
Police Officer Rafael Ramos Police Officer Wenjian Liu
On Saturday, Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu were assigned to an area of the borough that has more crime than their usual beat in downtown Brooklyn, police said.
Police identified the gunman as 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley. Witnesses saw Brinsley walk to the car and assume what they described as a shooting stance. New York Police Commissioner William Bratton said Brinsley fired several times. Ramos and Liu were shot in the head.
The officers were "shot and killed with no warning, no provocation," Bratton said. "They were, quite simply, assassinated."
At a nearby subway station, Brinsley was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.
The families of the fallen officers rushed to Woodhull Medical Center on Saturday, as dozens of officers gathered.
Ramos had just turned 40; Liu had been married two months ago.
Both had dreamed of being police officers, Bratton said.
"One of the unfortunate realities of policing is that you put that blue uniform on and you become part of the thin blue line between us and anarchy," Bratton said.
He sent a memo to NYPD officers about the killings, saying the officers were "targeted for their uniform, and for the responsibility they embraced: to keep the people of this city safe."
Liu and Ramos "will be remembered," he wrote. "They will join a line that is too long, a line of partners who served together and made the ultimate sacrifice together." The memo then named other officers who have lost their lives. "May God grant Officer Wenjian Liu and Officer Rafael Ramos rest. And to all members of the service, be safe," he said.
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo directed that all flags on state government buildings in New York City be flown at half-staff.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Bratton met with the families of the victims.
"When a police officer is murdered, it tears at the foundation of our society," the mayor said. "It is an attack on the very concept of decency."
President Barack Obama condemned the shooting, and called Bratton on Sunday to express condolences for the slain officers.
"Two brave men won't be going home to their loved ones tonight, and for that, there is no justification," Obama said in a statement. "The officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day -- and they deserve our respect and gratitude every single day."
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called the attack "an unspeakable act of barbarism."
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