BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON THE SHOOTING OF
NYPD SGT. JAMES RECTOR

“In the early evening of Thursday, October 26, New York Police Sergeant James Rector, 34, displayed the bravery and heroism befitting one of Brooklyn and New York’s finest when he responded to shouting and gunshots in the street near a Fort Greene police recruitment center, where he works as a supervisor.

Sgt. Rector found a wounded 26-year-old man on his knees begging for his life as a 17-year-old gunman held a .40-caliber gun to his head. The teen fired, hitting Sgt. Rector twice before he returned fire fatally wounding the young shooter.

I commend Sgt. Rector, an 11-year police force veteran and father of two, for his bravery and quick action. I hope Sgt. Rector is comforted by the prayers and hopes for a speedy and complete recovery being offered by millions of Brooklynites.

Guns and senseless acts of violence have no place on our streets or in our neighborhoods, and will not be tolerated by the residents of Brooklyn or New York. I call on Brooklyn families and neighbors to be watchful and cooperative with officers like Sgt. Rector as they put their lives on the line every day to keep Brooklynites safe.”

-Borough President Marty Markowitz