WASHINGTON: A young Pakistani-American police officer, who was shot last week during a suspected robbery in New York City, succumbed to his injuries, the New York Police Department said on Wednesday.

The officer, Adeed Fayaz, 26, was admitted to a hospital soon after he was attacked by robber, Randy Jones, 38, on Saturday.

His family is from Rawalpindi.

“Officer Fayaz … tragically succumbed to his injuries” on Tuesday evening, New York Police Comm­issioner Keechant Sewell said. “Our Depar­tment deeply mourns his passing, and his family and loved ones are in our prayers.”

Officer Fayaz “was a father, a husband, a son, and a protector of our great city,” the commissioner said.

Hundreds of people, including police officers, gathered outside the hospital to show support for the slain officer, as his body was brought out.

“Tonight, we rendered a final salute to our brother P.O. Adeed Fayaz, but we still need your prayers,” said the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, representing 50,000 active and retired NYC police officers . “Pray for his family. Pray for his fellow police officers. And pray that we see justice done in his name.”

Pakistan’s consulate general said, “Our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Adeed Fayyaz, an NYPD officer of Pakistani descent. We honour his service and mourn his loss. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and New York law enforcement community during this difficult time.”

“Extremely sad and heartbreaking to announce the death of one of our proud members,” said NYPD Muslim Officers’ Society head Adeel Rana.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2023