Superhero in the Spotlight
Perhaps this superhero should think about donning a mask.
The police chief of New York City, who gained attention for confronting two suspected ISIS-inspired bombers outside a prominent mansion, seems a bit overwhelmed by his sudden fame.
Deputy Chief Aaron Edwards made news this week when images surfaced of him engaging a teenage suspect who had just hurled a barricade and ignited a homemade explosive near a police officer.
“First of all, I’m relieved I cleared that wall. Just think if I had fallen!” Edwards, 46, chuckled during a press conference on Wednesday.
“I mean, I really don’t want this photo to be about me. I hope it focuses on the day itself. I’d rather discuss what we accomplished. I want this picture to serve as a reminder to New Yorkers that your officers from the NYPD are committed to pursuing justice,” he added.
“There’s nothing that will stand in the way of protecting New Yorkers.”
This memorable image graced the front page of Wednesday’s Post and was subsequently shared extensively on social media.
There were also humorous edits where Edwards was depicted wearing a superhero cape, becoming a subject of playful online creativity.
Edwards found the memes amusing, saying it felt “uplifting.” It’s interesting to think that it took a while for him to realize the level of danger he was in during the incident.
The viral image captured the tense moments when two radicalized teenagers allegedly hurled bombs at police during an anti-Muslim rally spearheaded by a right-wing figure.
“It wasn’t just me and Officer Navarro. Many officers were involved,” Edwards emphasized.
Another striking photo showed 18-year-old Emile Barratt dropping an explosive device right in front of Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro before making a run for it. This action ultimately sparked a manhunt that drew attention to Edwards.
With help from fellow officers, Edwards apprehended Barratt and his alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Ibrahim Qayumi. Both are now in federal custody facing terrorism charges.
“It’s essential to remember that I wasn’t alone, neither was Officer Navarro. Everyone played their part to the best of their abilities,” Edwards said.
“At that moment, we had to shift from one style of policing to another, and I think our transition was quite effective.”
A native of St. Albans, Queens, Edwards currently resides in Huntington, Louisiana, with his wife and two sons. Interestingly, he was originally studying biology, aspiring for a career in pharmaceutical sales when the tragic events of September 11, 2001, occurred, inspiring him to join the NYPD.
