Blue Monday: New York "City in Mourning" over Assassination of Two NYPD Officers

Aimee Herd : Dec 22, 2014
MICHAEL WILSON, MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ - NY Times

"Our beloved city needs the light, and the wisdom, the peace, the healing and the consolation that only the Lord can give as we mourn the murders of two of our finest, Officer Wenjian Liu and Officer Rafael Ramos."

(New York, NY)—Last night (Sunday) vigils were held to honor the lives of two NYPD officers killed in cold blood on Saturday, as they sat in their patrol car, by a man who reportedly was after "revenge" for the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. (Photo via PIX11.com)

According to the PIX11 report, Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos may never even have seen 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley, before he approached their squad car and opened fire.

Officer Liu (32) was a seven-year veteran of the force and had gotten married just three months ago. The manager of the Brooklyn restaurant where the wedding party was held lamented, "He had so many friends. The place was packed."

Last night was Officer Liu's 3-month anniversary.

Once, when asked why he joined the police force, Liu answered, according to the NY Times report, "I know that being a cop is dangerous but I must do it. If I don't do it and you don't do it, then who is going to do it?"

Officer Raphael Ramos—beyond serving as a police officer—aspired to one day become a chaplain; he had attended Faith Evangelical College and Seminary in Washington State.

Ramos joined the NYPD three years ago, and had reportedly worked as a safety officer from 2009 – 2012, at a Staten Island school. He was known for spending as much time as he could with his sons, even if it meant giving up overtime. (Photo via PIX11.com)

While many were angry at NY City Mayor de Blasio for his support of recent protests against police officers which may have incited Brinsley's hatred and helped fuel the situation, Officer Ramos' family voiced forgiveness for the mayor.

"We don't blame him; we forgive him. If Rafael was here, he'd do the same thing," said a cousin of the slain officer.

Officer Ramos celebrated his 40th birthday just three weeks ago.

Wanting to be a police officer when you grow up always used to be one of the top answers kids have given to the question of what they want to do when they get older. There has always been a general respect for those who wear a police badge.

In September 2001, that sentiment seemed to skyrocket, as so many of New York's officers were lost in the terror attacks.

Fast-forward to 2014 when many of the same citizens that police officers throughout the nation risk their lives every day to protect, seem to be turning against them. (Photo via PIX11.com)

A very dangerous situation for us all, as it creates fear all around.

Please be praying for God's Spirit to intervene in our country at this time, and bring peace between our police forces and those they protect.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, at a service held yesterday at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown, NY summed it up well when he said, "Our beloved city needs the light, and the wisdom, the peace, the healing and the consolation that only the Lord can give as we mourn the murders of two of our finest, Officer Wenjian Liu and Officer Rafael Ramos."

There was one especially kind gesture this weekend; the NY Yankees announced they will pay for the education of the children of New York Police Department Rafael Ramos, according to the New York Daily News.

The Yankee Silver Shield Foundation, started by late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, was begun in order to provide funds for the education of children of fallen New York police officers, firefighters and Port Authority employees, said a NESN report.