Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) and U.S. Rep Albio Sires both voiced their condolences for the city of Jersey City, as well as the friends and family of  Jersey City Police Officer Melvin Santiago in the wake of his death early Sunday morning.
“I am beyond saddened to hear of the tragedy this morning in Jersey City,” Prieto wrote on his Facebook page.
“The loss of Officer Santiago is yet another shocking reminder of the dangers police officers face each and every day, the bravery they exhibit constantly and how we need to continue working to reduce violence in our communities. The bravery of Officer Santiago and his dedication to protecting public safety must never be forgotten.”
Sires, a former Assemblyman and West New York mayor, echoed Prieto’s sentiment on the tragic situation in a press release sent to various media outlets
“Officer Santiago made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up his life to protect the residents of Jersey City. His death is a deep loss not only to his mom Cathy, dad Melvin Sr., step-father Alex McBride, his brothers Jordan and Alex Jr., but to the entire City of Jersey City.
Santiago was killed at the Walgreens at the intersection of Communipaw Ave. and John F. Kennedy Blvd. at about 4 a.m. Sunday when he responded to an armed robbery.
As the Hudson County View first reported earlier today, the McBride’s placed most of the blame on the Walgreen’s establishment since Santiago was killed by a gun that was wrestled away from a security guard at the drug store/pharmacy.