NEW YORK, NY – The New York City PBA sent out a letter on Monday night to rank and file members warning them of a possible attempted poisoning at a Manhattan Shake Shack. The three officers are now being treated at the hospital and expected to recover. Below is a letter sent out by Union President Patrick J. Lynch.
In recent weeks, the company has been supportive of police reform, racial justice and supporter of the Equal Justice Initiative. EJI is a non-profit supported by Shake Shack which is dedicated to ending mass incarceration, excessive punishment and perceived economic injustice in America. The company operates two locations at the Jersey Shore including Wall Township and the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown.
Dear PBA Member,
I am writing to alert you to yet another serious safety issue. This evening, several MOS assigned to a protest detail in lower Manhattan took meal at the Shake Shack location on Broadway and Fulton Street. At some point during their meal period, the MOS discovered that a toxic substance, believed to be bleach, had been placed in their beverages. The contamination was not discovered until the MOS had already ingested a portion of their beverages. They are currently at the hospital receiving treatment and are expected to recover.
All PBA members are advised to carefully inspect any prepared food item they purchase while on duty for possible contamination.
Whenever possible, take meals in groups of two or more, and remain vigilant for the duration of the meal period.
When New York City police officers cannot even take a meal without coming under attack, it is clear that the environment in which we work has deteriorated to a critical level. We cannot afford to let our guard down for even a moment. As always, look out for each other and remember our primary mission: everyone goes home EOT.
