Caribbean Immigrant Police Officer Shot In NYC Dies Days After Shooting

By NAN STAFF WRITER

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Jan. 26, 2022: The Caribbean born immigrant police officer, who was one of two shot in Harlem, NY, Friday night, has succumbed to his injuries.

Dominican Republic-born Officer Wilbert Mora, 27, was taken off life support at a Manhattan hospital four days after a gunman shot him and Caribbean American Officer Jason Rivera, 22, as they responded to a domestic disturbance call. Rivera died on the same day he was shot, Friday, Jan. 21st.

Mora had been in critical condition since the shooting. He was moved Sunday from Harlem Hospital to NYU Langone Medical Center, where he died.

“It’s with great sadness I announce the passing of Police Officer Wilbert Mora,” NYC’s Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said in a tweet. “Wilbert is 3 times a hero. For choosing a life of service. For sacrificing his life to protect others. For giving life even in death through organ donation. Our heads are bowed & our hearts are heavy.”

In a message to officers announcing Mora’s death, Commissioner Sewell said: “The grief in this Department is incalculable. We will stand, salute and shed tears, yet manage to smile as we remember him during the extremely difficult days ahead.”

The two officers were fatally wounded Friday after they were called to a Harlem apartment by a woman who said she needed help with her adult son. Lashawn J. McNeil threw open a bedroom door and shot the officers as they walked down a narrow hall, authorities said.

A third officer, Indian American Sumit Sulan, a rookie who was shadowing Mora and Rivera — shot McNeil as he tried to flee. The gunman, 47, died Monday, authorities said.

Mora’s funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Rivera’s funeral is scheduled for Friday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, with a viewing planned Thursday at the church.