Second NYPD officer shot in Harlem dies of injuries
(NewsNation Now) — The second New York City police officer shot in a Harlem apartment last week succumbed to his injuries Tuesday, the department announced on social media.
After spending days in the hospital with grave injuries and reportedly undergoing at least one surgery to alleviate swelling on his brain, Officer Wilbert Mora, 27, died according to Keechant Sewel, Police Commissioner of the City of New York.
“Wilbert is 3 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 & our hearts are heavy,” the commissioner tweeted.
Mora, 22-year-old Officer Jason Rivera, and rookie Officer Sumit Sulan responded to a domestic disturbance call Friday at a Harlem apartment where officials say 47-year-old Lashawn J. McNeil opened fire.
Rivera, who was also injured in the gunfire, died Friday. Officials say Sulan, who was shadowing Rivera and Mora, shot and injured McNeil in the head and arm when McNeil allegedly tried to flee. The suspect succumbed to his wounds Monday afternoon.
Mora entered the police academy in October 2018 and was assigned to Harlem’s 32nd precinct in November 2019. He made 33 arrests, police records show.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also responded to the death of Mora, saying in a statement:
“I join all of New York today in mourning the heartbreaking death of Officer Wilbert Mora. He was a hero until the end. Officer Mora and his partner, Officer Jason Rivera, showed courage in the face of imminent danger to protect New Yorkers. Their bravery exemplified their commitment to protecting the city they loved. Both will forever be remembered as heroes who dedicated their lives to making New York safer and stronger. I pray for strength and ease for their families and loved ones.”