(July 4, 2012)
"This morning, MTA police officer John Barnett was viciously attacked by a knife-wielding assailant at the Sutphin Boulevard LIRR station in Jamaica, Queens. I spoke with Officer Barnett prior to him going in to surgery and thanked him on behalf of all New Yorkers for his courage. Today we are reminded once again of the bravery and sacrifice of our men and women in law enforcement, and the many dangers that accompany the important job of keeping our state's residents safe. We applaud Officer Barnett's bravery and pray for a full recovery."