The killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong in the Bronx, New York, has drawn reactions from several American political leaders, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Congressman Adriano Espaillat and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The leaders have expressed grief over the teenager's death, condemned gun violence and called for accountability as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Frimpong was shot dead on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while reportedly walking near a school in the Bronx.
The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 am near East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont neighbourhood.
Police officers who responded to the scene rushed the teenager to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for three teenage boys, believed to be between the ages of 16 and 18, suspected of being connected to the shooting.
The suspects were reportedly last seen wearing all-black clothing and blue surgical masks, while the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the possible motive remain unclear.
Here is what some American political leaders and authorities have said about the tragedy.
1. Mayor Zohran Mamdani
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has described the killing as a devastating loss, expressing sympathy for the deceased teenager's family and the wider community.
Speaking about the incident, Mamdani said his thoughts were with Frimpong's family, particularly his father, Thomas Frimpong, whose grief had been captured in a video following the tragedy.
He also disclosed that his administration was working with the New York Police Department (NYPD) to identify those responsible and ensure they were held accountable.
Beyond the investigation, the mayor raised concerns about bullying, fear among schoolchildren and the need for stronger support systems within schools.
He said the city's administration was committed to ensuring that children had access to the necessary resources to deal with bullying and other challenges.
Mamdani also acknowledged that the killing had affected more than just the immediate family, noting that the tragedy had devastated the neighbourhood and the Ghanaian diaspora.
He disclosed that mobile trauma assistance had been deployed to the area to provide support for residents struggling with grief following the incident.
Mayor Mamdani has spoken on Javits Frimpong’s case https://t.co/nniSArTy3Z
— Dr. Afua Nicki 🇬🇭 (@nickirich14) October 31, 2026
2. Congressman Adriano Espaillat
US Congressman Adriano Espaillat has also expressed condolences to the family, describing Frimpong's death as another innocent life lost to gun violence.
In a post shared on Facebook, the congressman said his heart went out to the family of the 15-year-old, while calling for urgent action to address gun violence.
“My heart breaks for the family of 15 year old Javits Frimpong, who died from gun violence Thursday. Another innocent life taken senselessly and another family devastated by the tragedy of gun violence. Enough is enough, and families deserve solutions,” he wrote.
My heart breaks for the family of 15 year old Javits Frimpong, who died from gun violence Thursday. Another innocent life taken senselessly and another family devastated by the tragedy of gun violence. Enough is enough, and families deserve solutions.
— Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) October 30, 2026
https://t.co/C1Ohdwhnt1
3. New York Attorney General Letitia James
New York Attorney General Letitia James has condemned the shooting, stressing that children should be able to move around their communities without fear for their safety.
In a post shared following the incident, James expressed sympathy for Frimpong's family and loved ones.
“No child should fear their walk to school,” she stated.
“My heart is with the family and loved ones of the 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed in the Bronx today.”
She further called for an end to gun violence, describing the incident as senseless.
“This senseless gun violence must end. Now,” she added.
No child should fear their walk to school.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) October 30, 2026
My heart is with the family and loved ones of the 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed in the Bronx today.
This senseless gun violence must end. Now.
https://t.co/Gh3Z9jC3kI
4. Ghana's Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Meanwhile, Ghana's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has visited the deceased teenager's father, Thomas Frimpong, to express the government's condolences and support.
The delegation included Deputy Permanent Representative Ben Dotsei Malor, Consul General Anthony El-Adas and Vice Consul-General Mawuli Klu.
During the visit, El-Adas conveyed the condolences of Ghana's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Samuel Kumah, the entire Mission, the government and Ghanaians.
He assured the bereaved father of the Mission's continued support, prayers and solidarity during the difficult period.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also spoke with Thomas Frimpong during the visit, offering words of comfort and assuring him of the government's support.
According to the Mission, Ablakwa said no Ghanaian should suffer anywhere in the world without the intervention, assistance and support of the Ghanaian government.
He further disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had been following developments surrounding the killing and had directed the Mission to do everything possible to support the bereaved family.
Background
Frimpong was reportedly walking near a school when he was shot in the abdomen on Thursday morning.
The shooting happened a short distance from the apartment where he lived with his 60-year-old father, Thomas Frimpong.
CBS News New York reported that it spoke to the grieving father by telephone while he was still at the hospital following the incident.
The NYPD has launched investigations and is pursuing three teenage suspects believed to be connected to the shooting.
Meanwhile, the circumstances leading to the attack and the motive remain unclear as authorities continue their investigations.
BAI
Officials of Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the UN, have visited Mr. Thomas Frimpong, the grieving father of 15-year-old Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, who was killed in the morning of Thursday, 29th October, on his way to school in the Bronx, New York.
— GhanaUN (@ghanamissionun) October 30, 2026
The delegation was made up of Deputy Permanent Representative, Ben Dotsei Malor, Consul General, Anthony El-Adas, and Vice Consul-General, Mawuli Klu.
Consul-General El-Adas expressed to Mr. Frimpong the deep condolences, sadness, and support of Permanent Representative Ambassador Samuel Kumah and the entire Mission, the Government and all Ghanaians. He assured Mr. Frimpong, of the Mission’s unwavering support, prayers, and solidarity, for the family at this difficult time.
During the visit, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa called in and offered Mr. Frimpong words of comfort, support and solidarity, with the assurance that no Ghanaian should suffer anywhere in the world without the Ghana Government’s intervention, help, and support. He added that President John Dramani Mahama has been following the developments surrounding the killing of Javits Frimpong and had directed the Mission to do everything humanly possible to support the family through this difficult time.
