Hundreds of friends, family members, Muslim community leaders, fellow officers and NYPD officers convened at the Makki Masjid Muslim Community Centre in New York to honour the life of Pakistani American Officer Adeed Fayaz.
The 26-year-old NYPD officer, a married father of two young children, tragically lost his life last week in Brooklyn during an attempted robbery. His name will now be forever remembered in his hometown.
Uniformed officers lined the avenue for 20 blocks, joined by city officials, NYPD officers from his Borough Park precinct, and hundreds of Pakistani Americans, Muslim leaders, and the mayor, all gathered for the poignant funeral service.
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell addressed the grieving attendees, emphasizing the importance of resilience. “We cannot allow anger or grief to eternally paralyze us, darken our hearts, test our resolve or break our will to hold those to account for malice in this city,” Sewell said.
Mayor Eric Adams spoke of the community’s values and faith. “I know this community, I know how much you believe in public safety, how much you believe in family, how much you believe in faith,” he said. “This is the moment when we must lean on that faith and ensure that our brother did not lose his life in vain. Our hearts are broken but our arms are strong. We will hold and lift you and show you that your son, your husband did not die in vain.” Additionally, NYPD Auxiliary Officer Baqir Ahmad highlighted the collective grief of the Pakistani community. “The whole Pakistani community is devastated right now. 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.”
House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries expressed his condolences in a statement. “My prayers are with the family and loved ones of Officer Adeed Fayaz. May he forever rest in peace.” New York Senator Chuck Schumer added, “We mourn the loss of NYPD officer Adeed Fayaz. He was a father, a husband, and a Long Islander, and our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved him.”
Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton called Fayaz’s death a tragedy. “My prayers are with the family and fellow cops of NYPD Police Officer Adeed Fayaz. A tragedy for New York’s Finest and the entire city.”
First Deputy Commissioner Tanya Kinsella praised Fayaz’s dedication. “His commitment to protecting our neighbourhoods and fostering relationships with our communities was truly commendable.” Brooklyn South Assistant Chief Charles McEvoy announced that a street would be renamed in Fayaz’s honour. “This street being renamed after Adeed will stand as a testament to his service to the City of New York.”
Many Muslim scholars and Makki Masjid Imam gathered for the funeral prayer and supplicate sending prayers and in support for Adeed’s family.
The prayer and funeral was conducted by New York Police Department, and government officials in the support of loss of NYPD officer.
Also, NYPD Officer Kenneth Harrison emphasized the solidarity within the force. “All my fellow brothers in blue here, we don’t just go off and leave anyone. We’re all one team. All these officers you see here came to show their respect for our brother who wore the shield.”
The NYPD’s Muslim Officers Society also expressed sorrow, saying, “Extremely sad and heartbreaking to announce the death of one of our proud members, Police Officer Adeed Fayaz. He was a dedicated and hardworking officer who put his life on the line each day to protect the people of NYC.”
Dr Ammar Saeed among the Muslim leader commented on the tragedy, emphasizing the profound impact of Fayaz’s loss on the community and urging unity in the face of such heartbreaking events. “In times of such sorrow, we must come together and support one another,” he said. “Officer Fayaz’s dedication to his duty and community is an inspiration to us all. Let us honour his memory by fostering peace and understanding.” (Dr Ammaar Saeed)
The funeral service was led by Allama Maqsood Ahmed Qadri, an Imam from New Jersey, with prayers from Imam Tahir Kukaj, the Muslim police chaplain for New York. Fayaz’s father called for an end to gun violence in America. Imam Abdul Razzaq Aziz described Fayaz as “very humble, very nice.”
The funeral also drew hundreds of Pakistani Americans, many in tears, to the mosque in Brooklyn. The officer’s wife held an American flag tightly while his mother was overcome with grief. The community’s outpouring of support was a testament to Officer Fayaz’s impact and the deep sense of loss felt by all who knew him.