U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Shooting of Police Officer Arthur Lopez and Civilian Raymond Facey

October 24, 2012

U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Shooting of Police Officer Arthur Lopez and Civilian Raymond Facey

JAMAICA– Congressman Gregory W. Meek released the following statement on the death of Nassau County Emergency Services Police Officer Arthur Lopez and innocent bystander Raymond Facey:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the shooting death of Nassau Emergency Services Police Officer Arthur Lopez yesterday while performing his duty to protect the safety of the community. I am equally shocked to hear that Raymond Facey, an innocent civilian, was shot to death minutes later by the same assailant. It is a relief to hear that law enforcement agencies -- including the Nassau County Police Department, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) -- cooperated to quickly detain the suspected shooter.

“Yesterday's shooting deaths are a painful reminder of the danger our police officers face and the sacrifices they make each and every day. On behalf of the residents of Southeast Queens, I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Officer Lopez’s family, friends, and colleagues as they cope with this tragic loss. I would also like to extend my thoughts and prayers to Raymond Facey’s family and friends who are grappling with this devastating loss.” [End]