An NYPD chief is being celebrated after sprinting toward danger to stop two alleged would-be terrorists moments after explosives were thrown outside Gracie Mansion.
A dramatic photo of Aaron Edwards leaping over a barricade amid the chaos has gone viral online, drawing millions of views and a flood of praise for his quick-thinking actions.
“Some heroes wear capes — Chief Aaron Edwards wears blue,” the New York City Police Department wrote as it shared the striking black-and-white image.
Some heroes wear capes — Chief Aaron Edwards wears blue. pic.twitter.com/wYvDfSbxgM
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 10, 2026
Social media quickly filled with messages applauding the officer’s bravery.
“Hero mode activated — God bless this man and all NYPD! Into danger without pause,” one commenter wrote.
“Chief Aaron Edwards deserves a raise and a medal. When others were running away from danger, he was running toward it — ready to risk everything so others could live. That’s what real courage looks like,” another added.
“Thank you Chief Aaron Edwards for helping restore my faith in humanity, and heroism,” others posted.
Another person wrote: “Give this man a medal and make this a recruitment ad!”
Authorities say Edwards and Luis Navarro rushed toward two suspects — Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19 — after the pair tried to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a tense protest outside the mayor’s residence Saturday.
Investigators say the suspects ignited the devices and dropped them near several police officers stationed at the demonstration. Photos captured the moment smoke began filling the air as Edwards vaulted a barricade and moved toward the suspects.
Jessica Tisch praised Edwards and Navarro, saying their actions prevented the situation from spiraling into something far worse.
“When those devices were ignited in the middle of a crowded protest, officers did not step back. They stepped forward,” Tisch said.
She added that the two officers “ran toward a lit IED without hesitation and without regard for their own safety.”
“Moments like that remind us of what policing truly requires,” Tisch said.
“Because behind every counterterrorism operation, every bomb squad response, every emergency call that sends officers running toward danger, there are human beings who make the decision to step forward when others are running away.”
[h/t The New York Post]
