Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson has passed away after battling cancer.
The news was confirmed through a statement released Sunday night. Report indicate that at the time of his death, Thompson’s family was by his side.
“With a heavy heart, the family of Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson announced that the District Attorney passed away today after a hard fought battle with cancer,” the statement said.
Brooklyn Chief Assistant District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement released Sunday night that he was privleged to work with Thompson and plans to comtinue his initiatives.
“[Thompson] transformed the Office into a model urban prosecutor’s office, with a mandate to do justice and treat everyone and every case fairly and with utmost integrity,” Gonzalez said. “Among his many initiatives, he created a model for correcting wrongful convictions, instituted a marijuana policy that would later be replicated citywide and started a summons forgiveness program that would also be instituted in several other jurisdictions. Our sincere prayers are with his wife, children and loved ones. May he rest in peace, knowing that he has made Brooklyn and New York City a better place.”
Thompson announced a week ago that he had cancer and would temporarily step down from his post to battle the illness.
Taking office in 2014, Thompson was Brooklyn’s first African-American district attorney. He leaves behind his wife, Lu-Shawn, and two children.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is directing flags to half staff in honor of Thompson.
Statements from officials and leaders
Rev. Al Sharpton: Deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Ken Thompson. He had Thurgood Marshall like passion for justice. RIP.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo: “I am profoundly saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson after a battle with cancer. Ken was a dedicated public servant who embodied the highest principles of the law, and his grand presence will be sorely missed.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray: “The thoughts and prayers of our entire city are with District Attorney Ken Thompson, his family and his loved ones tonight. With a life and promise cut far too short, our city was blessed with but a glimpse of Ken’s unwavering commitment to justice and his unrivaled pursuit of a more fair system for all those he served. Our courtrooms and our communities have no doubt been dealt a blow with Ken’s passing, but I am confident the indelible mark left by his public service will forever be a part of the fabric of our justice system. Tonight we mourn the loss of a champion of reform. Our task now will be to rise each day forward in the spirit Ken lived his life.”
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance: “I was privileged to work with Ken, first in his capacity as a gifted courtroom advocate, and subsequently during his too-brief tenure as a public servant committed to advancing public safety and justice reform for the People of Kings County. Ken and I began as courtroom adversaries but became friends. I will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lu-Shawn, the Thompson family, and our partners in Brooklyn.”
