Police-involved Shooting in the 47 Precinct, Bronx

September 29, 2019

Remarks as Prepared for Chief of Department Terence A. Monahan

I am joined here by Mayor de Blasio, First Deputy Commissioner Ben Tucker, Chief of Patrol Rodney Harrison, Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea, Chief Larry Nikunen, our Bronx Borough Commander, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, PBA President Pat Lynch, NYPD Supervising Chief Surgeon Dr. Eli Kleiman, Chris Mastromano, CEO of Jacobi Medical Center, and Dr. Mel Stone.

Just after midnight this morning, a brave NYPD police officer doing the job we asked him to do - the job that New Yorkers needed him to do - was shot and killed.

I want to first thank the dedicated staff here at Jacobi Medical Center for the professional care they always provide whenever we come here. And we're here all too often.

I will remind you that the information I'm about to give you is preliminary and subject to change as this investigation proceeds. About 12:30 this morning, NYPD police officers assigned to the Bronx Borough Anti-Crime Unit were patrolling the streets around the Edenwald Houses - 1132 East 229th Street. They were there because of gang activity, which included recent shootings in the area.

Behind that location, three officers in one police car got out of their vehicle to question a man. The man fled and a foot pursuit ensued. As Officer Brian Mulkeen and his partner attempted to apprehend the man, a violent struggle on the ground began.

On body-worn camera video, Officer Mulkeen can be heard yelling, "He's reaching for it - he's reaching for it."

At this time numerous shots were fired and our officer was struck a total of 3 times.

Five officers at the location fired their service weapons striking the man. The suspect was pronounced deceased on the scene and his firearm - a .32-caliber revolver - was recovered by police. Our critically-injured officer was rushed here to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

Police Officer Brian Mulkeen was 33 years old. He served more than 6-and-a-half years with the New York City Police Department. He was appointed on January 9, 2013. He lived in Yorktown Heights with his girlfriend, who is also a cop in the Bronx - in the 44 Precinct.

The suspect is a 27-year-old man who was on probation until 2022 for a narcotics-related arrest last year. He has several prior arrests in various places, including a burglary conviction in Rockland County.

As cops we know how rewarding our profession can be. But I'll tell you: There is absolutely no worse moment on our job than this. As we stand here this morning, a young man with a bright future who courageously patrolled some of New York City's toughest streets has tragically lost his life.

Brian was a great cop dedicated to keeping this city safe. In fact, just last night he arrested a man in possession of a gun in the very same precinct.

Tonight is a vivid example of the dangers New York City cops face every day. And, there's never a doubt that our officers will continue to put it all on the line to keep people safe.

Tragedies like this are not only an affront to the men and women in blue, but to all the people our cops proudly serve.

I want to thank everyone who has already reached out to the department to express condolences. We ask everyone to please keep Officer Mulkeen's loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.