Statement on the death of P.O. Hernandez

Patrick J. Lynch, president of the New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA). issued this statement today following the death of Police Officer Eric Hernandez:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Hernandez, his family and friends. Now we must ensure that the thugs who are primarily responsible for the death of this police officer are held fully accountable under the new ‘crimes against police’ laws. Witnesses indicate that he had identified himself as a police officer before the cowardly group brutally attacked and beat him. They ultimately set into motion the events that caused New York to lose a great cop with a promising career. We must send a message to the criminals that you will pay a very heavy price if you attack a police officer.”