Justice was served in New York City tonight, where a jury found five Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters guilty of murder in the shooting death of NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia in 2017. This landmark verdict is a resounding message to law enforcement nationwide that justice is achievable even in the most tumultuous and divided of times.
As we speak, hundreds of NYPD officers, veterans, and ordinary Americans are celebrating this major win. And rightfully so – Miosotis Familia’s senseless killing sparked widespread outrage and served as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences that await law enforcement who serve with valor and dedication.
On that fateful July 5, 2017 evening, Familia, a 12-year NYPD veteran, was gunned down while sitting in her cruiser in the Bronx. She was a pillar of strength for her family, and her loss will forever leave an indelible mark on the New York City Police Department and our entire nation.
These defendants’ brutal actions did more than take the life of one heroic officer; they inflicted immeasurable pain upon her loved ones and comrades, and cast a pall of fear and intimidation over an entire community. Yet, tonight, they stand accountable for their crimes before the law, a vital affirmation of the fundamental concept that no one – not even those with extreme agendas – is above the law.
This verdict, achieved through the tireless efforts of the NYPD and New York City District Attorney’s Office, represents a momentous victory in our never-ending quest for truth, justice, and equal application of the law for all Americans. It underscores our nation’s unshakeable commitment to preserving law and order, defending those who protect us, and guaranteeing the basic liberties upon which our Republic is built.
As we acknowledge the long-overdue closure that comes with justice, let us also reflect upon the immense sacrifices made by police officers like Miosotis Familia. Let us honor her legacy, and the legacies of all those who’ve served with courage, integrity, and devotion. Let us also recognize that in America, justice may occasionally appear slow or uncertain, but ultimately, it always arrives – and in the process, we strengthen the bond between our nation, our police, and our community.