A horrifying mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan has left four people dead, including a New York City police officer. The gunman, wearing body armor and armed with an AR-15-style rifle, reportedly drove across the country to carry out the attack before turning the weapon on himself. The full story is available here on Yeshiva World News. The tragedy has prompted strong reactions from officials in Rockland County, who expressed grief, outrage, and renewed calls for action on gun violence and mental health.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day issued the following statement:
“I am heartbroken by the tragic shooting in New York City that claimed the lives of four innocent people, including an NYPD officer. My heart goes out to the victims’ families, loved ones, the entire NYPD community, in addition to the victim still recovering. Rockland County stands in solidarity with New York City as we mourn this devastating loss and call for meaningful steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Congressman Mike Lawler said:
“I’m devastated by the senseless killing of an NYPD officer and innocent civilians in Midtown. Praying for their families and loved ones. Today’s senseless killing of five people, including an NYPD officer in Midtown, is absolutely devastating. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones.”
Senator Bill Weber responded with deep personal emotion, writing:
“Deeply disturbing news out of NYC tonight—just under an hour from my district. As the son and brother of retired and active NYPD officers, my heart breaks for the families of the officer and four others who were senselessly murdered. Praying for all impacted by this tragedy. My sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Wesley LePatner, who was tragically murdered yesterday in NYC, alongside three others, including an NYPD officer. Wesley volunteered for numerous New York charitable organizations. May her memory be blessed.”
Assemblyman Aron Wieder issued a strongly worded statement urging reforms:
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of an NYPD officer and three others in the Midtown Manhattan shooting. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of all those affected by this senseless act of violence. We are grateful to the brave first responders who acted swiftly and selflessly to protect others. This heartbreaking event is yet another reminder of the urgent need to strengthen our support systems—including access to mental health care, crisis intervention resources, and community-based safety programs. We must also have an honest national conversation about the role of assault weapons in these recurring tragedies. Common-sense measures, including restrictions on weapons of war, are essential to protecting our communities. I remain committed to working for a safer Rockland, a stronger New York, and a nation where no family has to experience this kind of devastating loss. We honor the lives lost by refusing to accept violence as inevitable—and by continuing to pursue real, meaningful solutions.”
Assemblyman Pat Carroll also emphasized the need for federal action:
“I’m saddened by another gun-related tragedy that took the life of a NYPD officer and three other victims last night in Midtown Manhattan. While we have some of the strongest gun laws here in New York, the suspect legally purchased an AR-15 style rifle in another state and drove across the country to commit this crime. We need federal legislation to ban assault weapons and we must fully fund mental health services. Although so many have become desensitized by the regular occurrence of gun violence in our country, I will never stop fighting for a safer Rockland, safer New York, and safer United States.”
As New York City and the nation mourn the victims, the tragedy reignites urgent conversations around gun control, mental health services, and the protection of communities and law enforcement personnel alike.