Iconic New York City landmarks will go dark at 9 p.m. Tuesday in honor of Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, the two NYPD officers killed Saturday by a rogue gunman in Brooklyn. The Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and others will participate in the five minutes of darkness, at the request of city mayor Bill de Blasio.
“Our city is in pain. We ask all New Yorkers to turn their thoughts to our shared identity as New Yorkers and to honoring the memories of the two fine men we lost. Tonight, some of the greatest emblems of our city will dim their lights to honor our fallen police officers,” de Blasio said in a statement. “Let us take these moments to reflect on our common values, and rededicate ourselves to moving this city forward together.”
The mayor’s move comes amidst heavy criticism of against him from police associations and unions. Many officers commenting on anonymous message boards regarded his Monday statements and calls for a pause in protests as too little, too late.
De Blasio has also promised to attend funerals for both of the officers killed Saturday. Vice President Joe Biden will be joining him for Ramos’s funeral, as President Obama remains on vacation in Hawaii.
