Thirty-three years ago today, on February 26, 1993, terrorists drove an explosives-laden truck into the World Trade Center garage beneath the North Tower. The explosives detonated, killing six people, as well as an unborn child, and injuring 1,042 others. Today, we remember those we lost: John DiGiovanni, Robert Kirkpatrick, Stephen Knapp, William Macko, William Mercado, Monica Smith and her unborn child. May they all rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Inside the PAPD WTC Command Station House on February 26, 1993, in the aftermath of the bombing. Port Authority police officers, some wounded in the blast, were the first of the first responders. They evacuated thousands, putting others before themselves amid the horror and chaos of the World Trade Center bombing.
In Remembrance: Missouri Deputy Sheriffs Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope
Rest in peace, Christian County, Missouri, Deputy Sheriffs Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope (EOW 2/24/2026). Deputy Ramirez was fatally shot while conducting a motor vehicle stop, after which the suspect fled the scene. Local, county and federal law enforcement agencies launched an intense, hours-long manhunt. When the suspect was located, a 30-minute gun battle ensued, during which Deputy Hislope was shot and killed.
In Remembrance: Indiana Police Officer Brian Elliott
Rest in peace, Beech Grove, Indiana, Police Officer Brian Elliott (EOW 2/16/2026). Police Officer Elliott and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance in an area apartment. Once on scene, a man from inside the apartment opened fire, striking both officers. Elliott was fatally shot, and the other officer wounded.
PAPD PATH Command Officers Reunite Family
On February 15, sisters from Belgium were separated from their parents after they remained on a PATH train at Hoboken Station. The parents frantically contacted the PAPD to report that their daughters, ages 10 and 14, were missing. The PAPD PATH Command conducted a successful 35-minute system-wide search, resulting in Police Officers Ilya Orlov and Mathew Boehler locating the sisters at Grove Street Station. The family was happily reunited.
PAPD Officers Apprehend Knife-Wielding Suspect
On the afternoon of February 15, a 67-year-old Newark man was arrested for committing a robbery with a knife at the Exchange Place PATH Station in Jersey City. The victim and witnesses reported that the suspect shoved the victim and demanded money. After the victim refused, the suspect brandished a knife before fleeing.
PAPD Officer Apprehends Petit Larceny Suspect in Hell’s Kitchen
On Tuesday, February 10, Police Officer Luna was on patrol at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Hell’s Kitchen when he observed an individual commit a petit larceny at a Hudson News newsstand. Luna apprehended the suspect without incident. After the arrest, Luna recovered more than a pound of a controlled substance from the suspect. This arrest is a strong example of a police officer paying attention to the disorder in society that can lead to a significant arrest. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor, while that quantity of drugs constitutes an A-1 felony. Great job, officer!