NYPD, mayor recognize officers, civilians who helped in Brooklyn subway attack investigation

In a ceremony at police headquarters, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said their actions remind New Yorkers that they're surrounded by heroes every day.

News 12 Staff

Apr 20, 2022, 9:29 PM

Updated 906 days ago

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Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell on Wednesday recognized law enforcement members and civilians who were instrumental in the apprehension of the Brooklyn subway shooting suspect.
In a ceremony at police headquarters, Sewell said their actions remind New Yorkers that they're surrounded by heroes every day. She added that civilians are the strongest allies of the NYPD and that safety is a "shared responsibility" between both.
Adams said he was determined to go down to the scene but could not because of his COVID-19 isolation. He credited Sewell for keeping him up to date. Adams said he was confident in how the situation was being handled upon seeing images of NYPD officers, FBI agents and U.S. Marshals at the scene
Adams added that the city is better because of everyday New Yorkers coming together.
During the ceremony, Adams made it clear that those who were honored did something exceptional in the moments leading up to the shooting and the hours after.
The ceremony was a time to reflect and to also recognize how much of a team effort this was between NYPD, federal law enforcement and the public who gave police crucial leads that were necessary to solve the crime.
NYPD Chief of Detectives James W. Essig also thanked the public for sharing images of the suspect on social media, which he said were effective in catching the suspect quickly.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber also spoke at the ceremony and praised Adams for his dedication to public safety and Sewell for ensuring it.
The ceremony concluded with Adams and Sewell handing out proclamations to the police officers, federal agents and civilians who led to the arrest of the suspect.
One of those who was honored was 17-year-old Jack Griffin, who tweeted a photo of a man he believed was subway shooting suspect Frank James. He tagged police in the social media post and called Crime Stoppers right after.
James is in police custody and facing terrorism charge.