On July 25, 2026, a horrific event unfolded in Far Rockaway, New York, that has left my family traumatized and without answers. My landlords’ son, Kegan Thomas, committed an unthinkable crime by taking the lives of Clemer and Selena Ponce before setting off an explosion in our apartment building. My four children and I were inside, facing unimaginable danger and terror.

The response from the NYPD was not only inadequate but bordered on negligent. Instead of swiftly evacuating us from the burning building, officers pointed guns at us, and even forced my baby and me out of an ambulance to attend to the very suspect who had caused this chaos. This lack of proper emergency response has not only added to our trauma but also highlights a grave issue in how crises are managed by those meant to protect us.

Since that day, my family has been displaced, struggling to cope with the trauma. My children wake up terrified, unsettled by the sight of police or the sound of loud noises, and I am constantly haunted by the events of that day. Despite reaching out, we have received no mental health support or answers from the authorities about why this treatment was deemed acceptable.

We must demand accountability from the NYPD for their actions and advocate for systemic changes to ensure no other family endures this negligence. Police officers should be trained to respond to emergencies with compassion and efficiency, prioritizing the safety and well-being of victims above all. Far Rockaway deserves a public safety system that truly serves and protects its community.

Sign this petition to hold the NYPD accountable and push for improved emergency response protocols. We need your support to demand transparency, accountability, and reform. Together, we can ensure justice for my family and safer protocols for all in Far Rockaway.