Long Island Police Criticize Governor for Timing of Crime Declarations Amid Officer Shooting
Long Island law enforcement officials have expressed their frustration with Governor Kathy Hochul’s comments regarding gun violence reduction, made mere hours before an officer was shot in the face by a suspect in a homicide case on Thursday.
The officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, sustained critical injuries while authorities conducted a search warrant at a residence in North Bay Shore. This incident occurred just a day after the governor celebrated anti-crime measures on the island.
“The irony isn’t lost on us; the governor was just here yesterday stating that crime rates are decreasing, and today we have a Suffolk County officer shot,” remarked Lou Civello, President of the Suffolk Police Benevolent Association.
Civello emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement. “For years we’ve grappled with this, and each time a new short-term fix is implemented, we uncover further issues that have been overlooked,” he stated.
The police union leader acknowledged that under Hochul, Albany had made some advances in reforming bail and discovery laws, which had previously been relaxed in 2018 under former Governor Andrew Cuomo. These policies faced backlash for allowing violent offenders to be released and perhaps re-offend.
However, Civello insists that more substantial action is essential. “We appreciate the funding she’s provided and her efforts in adjusting certain laws, but it falls short of what is needed,” he said.
During an event at the Suffolk County Police Academy on Wednesday, Hochul highlighted a 24% decrease in homicides on Long Island between 2023 and 2024, and a 40% decline from 2021 to 2024.
“I understand better than anyone that our efforts are never truly finished when it comes to public safety because even one crime, shooting, or murder is one too many,” Hochul stated.
The governor did recognize a slight increase in murders specifically within Suffolk County but dismissed its significance, noting it only rose from 14 to 16 incidents.
While the name of the injured officer has not yet been revealed, it has been confirmed that he is a Navy veteran with a spouse and three children.
Medical professionals provided details on the severity of the officer’s injury, with Dr. James Vosswinkel of Stony Brook University Medical Center reporting, “The bullet was merely half an inch from his eye. It struck his cheekbone and became lodged beneath his ear.” He further stated that the officer is expected to recover completely.
The search warrant was executed in connection to 48-year-old Nieves Reyes, accused of fatally stabbing his 66-year-old coworker, Eugene Allen. Reyes was taken into custody by Suffolk police on Thursday evening and faces charges of murder and attempted murder.
As the police benevolent association highlights these concerns, it comes at a pivotal time for Governor Hochul, who is gearing up for reelection. The support of law enforcement will likely play a crucial role as she aims to demonstrate improvements in public safety following criticisms during her initial campaign in 2022.
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