Bondi Commends NYPD Heroes in Bombing Prevention

On Friday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed her gratitude to members of the New York Police Department who played a crucial role in stopping two suspected ISIS-inspired bombers outside Gracie Mansion.

She extended her thanks to the nine officers involved in the pursuit, highlighting NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards, who gained attention for his courageous leap over a fence to apprehend the suspects.

“Thank you, NYPD. You are the best, you are the bravest,” Bondi stated at the NYPD headquarters, One Police Plaza.

Reflecting on their challenging work, she added, “You all have such a tough job in the world we live in, and thinking back to that day gives me chills.” She also mentioned the strong support the NYPD has from the FBI, DEA, and other agencies.

“Of course we couldn’t do it without you,” she remarked. “You are the best of the best and the brightest of the brightest.”

Bondi emphasized how essential their actions were, stating, “I can’t thank you enough. You are the epitome of this award. If you hadn’t stopped those guys, they would have acted again. They wanted to be Boston Bombers, but bigger.”

This recognition was part of an initiative to honor law enforcement officials nationwide, particularly when faced with imminent danger.

Social media buzzed with praise for Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro after a striking photo depicted them springing into action during a chaotic scene on March 7, when a homemade bomb landed near them during riots on the Upper East Side.

The officers were stationed outside the mayor’s residence amid a spirited anti-Muslim rally and counter-demonstration. During the chaos, two alleged extremists from Pennsylvania, 18-year-old Emir Barat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Qayumi, threw homemade bombs into the crowd.

Luckily, the explosive devices did not detonate, and no injuries occurred. Both Barat and Qayumi have since been arrested and are facing federal terrorism charges.