New York State Orders Flags Lowered for Miosotis Familia, Slain Officer

Slain officer Miosotis Familia

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in memory of New York City Police Officer Miosotis Familia, who died earlier Wednesday after being shot in the line of duty.

Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning Thursday, July 6 and remain in that position until Officer Familia’s interment. Elected officials condemned the killing and reached out with promises to support her family throughout the day.

“Officer Miosotis Familia spent 12 years protecting her community as a member of the NYPD and all New Yorkers share in the pain and heartbreak caused by her death,” Cuomo said. “Law enforcement officers across New York put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. This horrific and senseless assassination is a devastating reminder of the risks these brave men and women face each day. I offer my deepest condolences to Officer Familia’s loved ones and fellow members of the NYPD. Today, we all come together to mourn one of New York’s Finest.”

“You know just a few hours ago the city was celebrating our Independence Day, and it’s one of those days we look forward to all year. The NYPD did an extraordinary job keeping this city safe, and then just as that was ending tragedy struck and it’s such a painful reality at just the end of a very, very good thing,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said earlier, speaking at St. Barnabas  Hospital before the officer was declared dead.

“The death of Officer Miosotis Familia is a devastating and senseless loss felt across New York,” said Eric T. Schneiderman, the New York State Attorney General. “It’s also a painful reminder of the risks the brave men and women of our police departments face each and every day  – particularly as Officer Familia was protecting her community as it celebrated the Fourth of July and the values we hold dear. My deepest prayers are with Officer Familia’s family and the entire NYPD.”

“Our hearts are heavy this morning as we mourn the loss of New York City Police Department Officer Miosotis Familia. Officer Familia was a member of the 46th Precinct here in The Bronx who was shot and killed last night following an unprovoked attack,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz. “Officer Familia was a dedicated servant to our city, and the news of her passing is incredibly tragic. Please keep her family, friends and colleagues in the 46th Precinct and the entire police department in your prayers today during this difficult time,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“The assassination of Officer Miosotis Familia is an affront to our City and to the courageous men and women of the NYPD who selflessly put their lives on the line each and every day to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Melissa Mark-Viverito, the New York City Council Speaker. “This is a tremendously sad day for our City. Our hearts ache for Officer Familia’s loved ones, the 46th Precinct, and the entire NYPD family as we join together to mourn this senseless and horrific act of violence against one of New York City’s finest.”

“My prayers go out to the family and friends of Officer Miosotis Familia, who was killed by senseless gun violence in the Bronx this morning. There is nothing that can be said or done to ease the pain after such a tragic and sudden lost,” said Jumaane D. Williams, City Council Member. “Police officers put their lives on the line everyday while working to ensure public safety. Regardless of the national discourse taking place around police-community relations, we must remember there are countless honest, well-intentioned police officers who wake up every day intending to do the best job they can for the people they have taken an oath to protect. Officer Familia woke up and got ready for work as she has done for years. It is with tremendous sadness that she will not be returning home. Unfortunately the seemingly unfettered access to guns and our penchant for violence continues to stain who we are as city, state and nation.”

“What a truly heartbreaking end to the July 4th weekend. Mere hours after we spent the day celebrating our freedom, one of our own, Officer Miosotis Familia of the 46th precinct, was shot in cold blood, solely based on her calling to be among those public servants who protect our great city,” said New York City Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “Her death is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by officers everyday and the great need to address the gun violence epidemic in this country. I am grateful to Officer Familia for her 12 years of dedicated service and ask that all New Yorkers join me in keeping her children, her family, her NYPD family in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”