NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards, who gained recognition for his role in pursuing two suspected ISIS-inspired bombers, has emphasized that acting swiftly was simply part of being a member of New York's police force.
The 46-year-old commander of Patrol Borough Manhattan North found himself in the midst of the action when an improvised explosive device was dropped near a group of NYPD officers during a chaotic demonstration outside Gracie Mansion. Edwards didn't hesitate to spring into action, underscoring that regardless of rank or position, the priority is always being a cop first.
Reflecting on the event, Edwards stated, “When you see danger, you have that cop in you. You react to it.” His courageous response garnered attention on social media, with his wife humorously noting that he was running in the "wrong direction" in a text message after watching footage of the incident.
Edwards was part of the NYPD presence at an anti-Muslim rally led by activist Jake Lang, where clashes erupted between demonstrators and counter-protesters. The situation escalated when two individuals from Pennsylvania, later identified as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, threw homemade explosive devices towards the police, with one landing dangerously close to Edwards and NYPD Sgt. Luis Navarro.
Recalling the tense moment, Edwards described how he and Navarro swiftly took action upon noticing the suspects' behavior, running towards them and giving verbal commands before eventually apprehending Balat with the assistance of fellow officers. Balat and Kayumi now face terrorism charges in federal custody.
Although Edwards has been hailed as a hero online, he stressed that the entire team present at the scene played a crucial role in managing the situation. His wife's concern about the seriousness of the incident was evident in her urgent message urging him to return home.
Having been appointed to his current position by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in December, Edwards shared that his upbringing in Saint Albans and his experience as a biology major at York College influenced his decision to pursue a career in law enforcement following the events of September 11, 2001.
Acknowledging the importance of teamwork and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations, Edwards highlighted the need to take immediate action to address the imminent threats and secure the area effectively.
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