MID-HUDSON – Area public
officials have reacted to the killing of eight people and injuring of
a dozen more by a man who drove a rented vehicle on a bike path in Manhattan
late Tuesday afternoon.
The man was shot and wounded by police.
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said he is “praying for all the
innocent people who were killed, those who were hurt, and the families
of everyone involved.” He said, “It will take a lot more than
this coward to stop New York.”
State Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Yonkers said,
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who were killed and injured
during today’s tragic incident in New York City.” She said,
“Thank you to the NYPD and first responders for their response in
the face of danger.”
US Senator Charles Schumer, a resident of Brooklyn, said, “As one
of the thousands of New Yorkers who regularly rides on the path where
this attack took place, I’m particularly grateful to the NYPD and
first responders who work day in and day out to keep us safe, and to those
that responded to the scene today.”
Schumer said, “As the investigation unfolds, it’s critical
that we learn what we can from this incident and do everything we can
to prevent this from happening again. The scourge of terrorism is unfortunately
still with us, and we must remain vigilant as ever.”
“We watch with shock, sadness and anger as New York City is attacked
once again,” Rockland County Executive Edwin Day said.
“The people of Rockland County stand with our neighbors in New York
City as we did on February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001 when our freedoms
were attacked and innocent lives were lost,” Day said.
“As a former commander in the NYPD, I can assure the people of Rockland
County that there is a top-notch public safety component in place to keep
us safe. As always, if you see something, say something.”
Day noted that people Rockland residents work in New York City including
members of NYPD and FDNY.
“Many of our Rockland County relatives, friends and neighbors work
in lower Manhattan, and many serve with the New York City Police and Fire
departments,” said Toney Earl, the chairman of the Rockland County
Legislature “I worked in New York City for 27 years and know the
stress a family deals with until they get that phone call from you telling
them you are safe. Unfortunately, tonight, at least eight families will
not receive such a call.”
Earl said, “We’re not going to allow these cowards to scare
us behind closed doors, but must commit to sticking together against those
who seek to use terror against us.”
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said the “horrific tragedy
is a reminder that we must remain vigilant about public safety and continue
to train to prevent attacks such as this.” He said the county sends
its “thoughts and prayers to the victims of this senseless act of
terrorism and their families. We are also grateful for the emergency responders
who responded to the scene and risk their lives for us every day.”
