The cries of anguish from the mother of murdered New York Police Department officer Adeed Fayaz pierced through the cold air.
The New York Post reports hundreds of police officers lined the street for 20 blocks and saluted Fayaz’ casket as it passed.
The five-year veteran died when he answered an ad on Facebook Marketplace to purchase a car Saturday. When he arrived police say a man tried to rob him of the money he had brought to purchase the vehicle.
Looking directly at New York Mayor Eric Adams, Fayaz’ aunt said “My request to you is to make this city as easy to live as it was a few years back,” reported ABC7 News.
“The whole Pakistani community is devastated right now,” said NYPD Auxiliary officer Baqir Ahma. “We lost a true hero. Officer Fayaz was a true hero. He lost his life at a young age and the whole Pakistani community is mourning his loss.”
Mayor Adams addressed the family as he spoke at the funeral held in a mosque.
“Our hearts are broken. But our arms are strong. We will hold you will lift you up and show you that your son, your husband did not die in vain,” he said according to NBC New York.
The station reports Fayaz arrived to purchase the car with his brother-in-law. 38-year-old Randy Jones allegedly put Fayaz in a headlock as he brandished a weapon and demanded $24,000.
The gun went off as Fayaz managed to free himself. Jones ran away, but continued to fire at the two. The brother-in-law grabbed Fayaz’ gun and returned six shots. The suspect escaped uninjured, but Fayaz was down.
He died Tuesday. Authorities arrested Jones using the handcuffs that once belonged to Fayaz. Jones is being held without bail on murder charges.
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