A high-ranking suburban New York police official is at the center of a jaw-dropping 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝓃𝒹𝒶𝓁 that has local Democrats suddenly going silent, and the reason why might surprise you. The case involves accusations that a former deputy police commissioner helped her own son carry out a brazen gang-related shooting in the Bronx.
Jennifer Lackard, who once served as Mount Vernon’s Deputy Police Commissioner, is facing attempted murder charges after she allegedly drove her 20-year-old son to a gang shooting in late June. Her husband, James Lackard, is also facing charges, and the couple’s son, Chase Lackard, has been identified by prosecutors as a reputed gang member.
According to court documents, the family allegedly drove the young man to a scheduled Bronx court hearing, then circled the block until they spotted an alleged rival. Prosecutors say Chase fired from the family’s SUV, missed his target, and the group sped away before all three were taken into custody.
Here’s where the story takes an interesting political turn. Nearly a dozen New York Democrats were asked to weigh in on the controversy, and most of them had absolutely nothing to say. Sources close to the situation suggest the silence may have everything to do with Mount Vernon’s political muscle.
The numbers tell the story. Mount Vernon has more than 31,000 registered Democratic voters compared to only about 2,800 Republicans. That kind of voting power can swing local, county, and even state races, making it a crucial stronghold for the party.
Governor Kathy Hochul was one of the few Democrats to address the situation, though her office kept things pretty general. A spokesperson said that those entrusted with public safety must be held to the highest standards and that anyone whose actions jeopardize law enforcement should be held accountable.
State Senator Jamaal Bailey, whose district includes part of Mount Vernon, did speak out more directly. He called the allegations reportedly “unacceptable and incredibly serious,” but he also noted that the alleged conduct didn’t happen during Lackard’s official duties and shouldn’t reflect on the entire police department.
The silence from other prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Congressman George Latimer, speaks volumes. Meanwhile, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins’ office deflected, saying they focus on their own workforce and don’t get involved in other municipalities’ personnel matters.
So how did Lackard land such a powerful position in the first place? Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard hired her in 2020 for a newly created deputy chief role in the police department’s Wellness Unit. Here’s the twist: Lackard reportedly had zero law enforcement experience.
The mayor, who shares a sorority connection with Lackard, says she didn’t even meet her until she applied for the job. Patterson-Howard insists Lackard passed a rigorous background check and was qualified based on her 15 years of experience in mental health and substance 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮 work.
But questions keep piling up. Sources have revealed that Lackard reportedly brought Mount Vernon police officers with her to a Bronx hospital in 2023 after her son was shot in the chest during a confrontation on a city bus. That detail has only fueled more questions about the hiring process.
Lackard was fired immediately after her arrest, but the political fallout is just getting started. Republicans are using the moment to push back, with one White House spokesperson saying the situation shows Democrats protecting criminals over law-abiding citizens.
Republican pollster John McLaughlin sees this as a golden opportunity for the GOP to build a reform coalition in Mount Vernon. He points out that many African-American law enforcement officers live in the city and won’t tolerate this kind of behavior.
Mount Vernon is no stranger to political controversy, according to reports. Two recent mayors were forced out of office mid-term over separate legal issues, and several city cops have faced serious allegations in recent months.
The big question now is whether this 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝓃𝒹𝒶𝓁 will change how the party handles Mount Vernon, or if the silence will continue. What do you think about the decision to stay quiet?
