Members of the MS-13 street gang are reportedly plotting to attack police officers on Long Island a year after similar threats emerged.
The NYPD has received “threats against [members of service]” who live in the MS-13 strongholds of Brentwood and Central Islip as well as Patchogue, the New York Post reported Wednesday.
“Intel has been obtained that members of MS13 are looking to ‘hit’ NYPD police officers … in order to gain street credibility,” the Post reported. “These members are conducting reconnaissance of [member of service] private residences.”
The NYPD confirmed the report in a statement.
“Out of an abundance of caution an officer safety alert was sent of an unverified threat by MS13 targeting law enforcement officers,” an NYPD spokesman said.
This isn’t the first time NYPD officers living on LI have faced such threats. Last April, the department issued a similar warning that investigators learned that the gang is plotting to kill police officers to increase its street cred.
The gang has been increasingly target of a federal crackdown since members were accused of committing a quadruple murder in Central Islip two years ago.
Local law enforcement are assisting the NYPD with the issue.
“The Suffolk County Police Department is in continuous contact with all of our public safety partners, including the New York City Police Department, and we will continue to work together to address any threats made to law enforcement personnel,” Suffolk County police said in a statement.
“The Nassau County Police Department is aware of possible threats toward police officers outside of Nassau County,” Nassau County Police Commissioner Police Patrick Ryder said. “Any threat of violence toward any police officer is always taken seriously, thus our officers continue to receive Intelligence Bulletins advising of any specific threats, safety concerns and are advised to always use due diligence both on and off duty.”
