NYPD chief, sergeant hailed as heroes after chasing suspects accused of throwing explosives near Gracie Mansion
The image shows NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards rushing toward a suspect during a protest outside Gracie Mansion over the weekend.
More Stories
A viral photo capturing two NYPD officers running toward danger is now being praised as a powerful example of heroism.
The image shows NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards rushing toward a suspect during a protest outside Gracie Mansion over the weekend.
Authorities say the suspect lit a fuse and dropped a smoking canister on the sidewalk as demonstrators and counterdemonstrators gathered near the mayor’s residence.
Edwards says there was no time to think, only time to act.
“You need to go after the bad guy, right? And then you need to get people away from that device,” Edwards said.
In an instant, Edwards jumped over a metal barrier while Sgt. Luis Navarro
ran to warn people nearby and help stop the suspect.
Navarro says everything he learned throughout his career led to that moment.
“Everything that I’ve learned in my whole career culminated to that one moment,” Navarro said. “I just ran. I knew that I needed to save lives.”
The NYPD later shared the photo on social media, writing: “Some heroes wear capes. Chief Aaron Edwards wears blue.” The post quickly drew thousands of reactions, with many praising the officers’ courage.
Investigators say the suspects were inspired by ISIS and targeted protesters gathered outside the mayor’s home.
The two suspects, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, now face federal terrorism charges. If convicted, they could face life in prison.
Both are expected back in court on April 8.
