Police : ` ` We 're just hopeful that this tragedy will not be in vain , '' said a NY representative . Police name Ismaaiyl Brinsley as the shooter ; he died of self - inflicted gunshot wound . Her mother called during that and heard the bickering but the phone hung up , according to Boyce . Year - old son of one posts on Facebook : ` ` This is the worst day of my life '' Two NYPD officers , Wenjian Zhang and Rafael Ramos , were shot in Brooklyn on Saturday .
Police : ` ` We 're just hopeful that this tragedy will not be in vain , '' said a NY representative . Police name Ismaaiyl Brinsley as the shooter ; he died of self - inflicted gunshot wound . Year - old son of one posts on Facebook : ` ` This is the worst day of my life '' Two NYPD officers , Wenjian Zhang and Rafael Ramos , were shot in Brooklyn on Saturday .