Saturday marks one year since the shooting deaths of two young NYPD officers in Harlem.

Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora were responding to a domestic violence call on Jan. 21, 2022, just a block from the 32nd Precinct on West 135th Street, when they were shot.

In an interview with NY1, Inspector Amir Yakatally, the commanding officer at the precinct, reflected back on the incident one year later.

What You Need To Know

  • Wilbert Mora, 27, and Jason Rivera, 22, were shot while responding to a domestic violence call on Jan. 21, 2022 

  • A memorial service will be held Saturday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the two detectives

  • The 47-year-old gunman had two weapons, a criminal record and, reportedly, a history of mental illness

“That call was a shock immediately,” Yakatally said. “I got a call that two officers were shot, and they were being rushed to Harlem Hospital.”

Yakatally immediately rushed to the hospital, praying the officers would survive. Unfortunately, they could not be saved.

For Yakatally and other officers, it was like a bad dream they were hoping wasn’t true. Yaktally was made the commanding officer at the station house just six months earlier.

“I myself being new to the 32nd Precinct, just getting to know them and getting to know the rest of the officers here, to have that occur at such a time was definitely something that we had to lean on each other [for],” he said.

Rivera and Mora were shot and killed by Lashawn McNeil after his mother called police to her apartment because they were arguing, authorities said.

Sumit Sulan, a rookie officer at the time, returned fire, killing McNeil.

“It is important to remember that police officers are here for a reason,” Yakatally said.

“What Jason and Wil did that day is the core of what we do every day,” he said. "They went there with their palms out to serve, and there are officers out there every day doing the same thing going to jobs just like that.”

Mora and Rivera were posthumously promoted to detective. Sulan was also promoted to detective for his actions. Now, one year later, Yakatally said officers are still dealing with the emotional toll of the shooting — and need to be checked on.

“It has to be a conscious effort, because life takes over, and we go through the day to day and sometimes we forget to check on one another,” he said. “Just slow down and reflect, and think back on what’s important and what matters.”

He said if officers need anything, their colleagues are there for them.  

Mora’s and Rivera’s photos have been added to the remembrance wall in the precinct with those of other cops from the precinct who have died in the line of duty. 

“This is here for the officers as they walk in, it’s for visitors when they come to the precinct," he said. "This is always going to be here as long as this building is standing.”

The community has been instrumental as well for officers coping with the tragedy. Yakatally says over the last year, people have checked in on officers to show them appreciation.