Communities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are mourning the death of an NYPD officer who was fatally shot in the line of duty early Sunday morning.
Officials say 33-year-old Brian Mulkeen was killed during a struggle with a suspect in the Bronx early Sunday.
Mourners lined the roads and highways in an emotional tribute as an ambulance carried Mulkeen's body to his hometown of Monroe today.
Chopper 12 was over the procession as Officer Brian Mulkeen was escorted from Manhattan to a funeral home in Orange County.
NYPD and local law enforcement stood in salute and Mulkeen's family consoled each other in grief as the procession arrived at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Funeral Home around 11 a.m.
Mulkeen, who worked in the Bronx, was patrolling Edenwald as part of the Bronx Borough Anti-Crime Unit investigating gang activity, including a recent shooting.
Officials say Mulkeen was hit by two bullets that came from other officers' guns while trying to make an arrest. Police say five officers and one sergeant with the anti-crime unit were on routine patrol around the Edenwald Houses in plainclothes when they attempted to stop two men on East 229th Street. The suspect, convicted felon Antonio Williams, was struck and killed by shots fired from Mulkeen's partners. The commissioner says the 33-year-old officer never lost possession of his gun and that he was the one who initiated the chase.
Mulkeen was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx where he was pronounced dead.
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Mulkeen lived in Yorktown Heights but was a native of Orange County, where he attended Monroe-Woodbury High School. He also attended Fordham University, where he was a captain of the field team, competing in weight throw and hammer throw. He graduated in 2008.
The Tuxedo Police Department said Mulkeen was formerly a member.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer ordered that flags be lowered at all county buildings in honor of Mulkeen. "All of Westchester County mourns NYPD Officer Brian Mulkeen. Mulkeen, a Yorktown Heights native, and nearly seven-year veteran of the NYPD was serving with the anti-crime unit in the 47th Precinct when he was killed," Latimer said in a statement. "In honor of his bravery and sacrifice, I am ordering that all flags at county facilities be lowered to half-staff. Mulkeen was a true hero, and we will remember his dedication to his profession and sacrifice always. At this time, we as a county, offer our sympathy and support to his family."
Westchester District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr. said in a statement, "On this tragic day, we are beyond saddened to hear of the death of NYPD Officer Brian Mulkeen, a Yorktown Heights resident, who lost his life protecting the people of New York. We send our deepest condolences to our colleagues in the NYPD and to PO Mulkeen's family and everyone who loved him."
Gov. Andrew Cuomo also released a statement saying, "I am absolutely heartbroken by the tragic loss of NYPD Officer Brian Mulkeen, who was shot and killed in the line of duty early Sunday morning in the Bronx. At 33, Officer Mulkeen was taken far, far too early from his family and from the city he sacrificed everything to protect. He is the embodiment of bravery and a true New York hero. On behalf of the New York family, I extend my deepest sympathies to Officer Mulkeen's family and loved ones during this excruciatingly painful period and I ask all New Yorkers to keep them in their prayers."
The NYPD says Mulkeen leaves behind a girlfriend who is also an officer serving in the Bronx.
A wake for Officer Mulkeen will be held in Monroe on Thursday. Funeral services will be on Friday.
