Law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives every day to protect public safety. Last week, a rookie NYPD police officer was shot during a confrontation with a man who had been fighting with an MTA bus passenger. In less than 30 hours, he was arrested. My office stands firmly committed to ensuring that the defendant, charged with attempted murder in the first degree, will be held accountable for his alleged acts to the fullest extent of the law.

We will not allow our communities to devolve into a state of chaos where police officers are fired upon without consequence. Nor will we tolerate a loss of confidence in public safety. The men and women who defend us will be respected and the rule of law that protects us all will be upheld. Those who attempt to engage in this type of lawlessness against anyone should expect to face swift consequences.

In this case, as in so many other tragic incidents, readily accessible guns are jeopardizing the lives of our police and our neighbors. Taking these deadly firearms out of the equation, and off our streets, reduces violent crime and increases public safety. We will not let up in doing everything possible to prevent these guns from ever being used in a tragic incident or crime.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

If you have information about the death of Sofia Vale let authorities know. It is never too late for justice.