NYPD cop killer promoted violent anti-cop urban street gang

Miosotis Familia, an NYPD officer and mother of three, was killed in cold blood Wednesday morning by a man who shared social media posts displaying an affinity for an extremely violent urban street gang.

The Facebook page for the now-deceased shooter, Alexander Bonds, shares several images promoting the Bloods street gang. The Bloods are a predominantly African American group that maintains a heavy presence in the Bronx, where Officer Familia was shot dead. They are recognized by law enforcement as one of the most violent gangs in America. The Bloods have an estimated membership between 15-20,000 nationwide.

A Virginia state police intelligence memo notes that “Bloods gang members have been known to routinely target law enforcement and criminal justice personnel for retaliation or as part of an initiation process.” Additionally, New Jersey law enforcement departments have warned of the gang’s threats and encouragement to target police officers for murder.

Alexander Bonds had several run-ins with the police. He once assaulted a police officer with brass knuckles, the New York Daily News reported.

Although Bonds promoted the Bloods on his social pages, there is no confirmation at this time that he was actually a member of the group.

Officer Familia was killed shortly after midnight while sitting in her patrol vehicle, which was repositioned to the Bronx neighborhood due to a recent shooting in the area. ABC7NY reports that surveillance footage shows Bonds “purposefully” approaching the vehicle and firing his weapon through the passenger side window.

Following the shooting, officers spotted Bonds evacuating the scene and then reportedly drew his revolver on approaching officers. Bonds was then fatally shot and neutralized by the NYPD officers.

Familia dedicated her life to public service. She spent 13 years as an NYPD officer. Before that, she worked as a nurse at New York University Hospital, and as a medical assistant for the American Red Cross.

"Based on what we know right now, it is clear this was an unprovoked attack on police officers who are assigned to keep the people of this great city safe," NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said in a briefing at the hospital following the attack. Another police statement called the attack a “clear assassination.”

— Commissioner O'Neill (@NYPDONeill) July 5, 2017

— Kirstin Cole (@kirstincoletv) July 5, 2017

Gang violence continues to plague New York City. The majority of shootings in the city are linked to gangs.

“Police officer Miosotis Familia, the mother of three, gave her life protecting a neighborhood that had been plagued by gang gun violence,” said Police Benevolent Association president Pat Lynch Wednesday, in response to the tragic killing. “Fully knowing the dangers that she faced, she suited up in uniform everyday and stood tall against those who threaten and terrorize the good folks of the Bronx.”