Bratton: Report That Prison Gang Is Targeting Cops Is ‘Overblown’

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton on Sunday downplayed reports that a gang with historical ties to the Black Panther movement may be planning to gun down an on-duty police officer.

According to a report in the Staten Island Advance, a warning was issued to some police that 10 members of the Black Guerrilla Family — a militant group active in the Maryland prison system — has begun preparing to shoot a cop. The report cited an NYPD source.

Also, a letter that appears to include the signature of Ed Mullins, the president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, has been circulating, saying, according to sources speaking to the Advance: “I have just received information of a credible threat to SHOOT an on duty police officer. It appears this is an organized action…. Please WEAR your VEST and carry your firearm off-duty along with additional magazines.”

The warnings come days after a Staten Island grand jury declined to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleoin the death of Eric Garner, who died shortly after being placed in an apparent chokehold by the cop in July. The grand jury decision has sparked protests nationwide.

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