The New York Daily News reports:
A Manhattan court security lieutenant who was ardently opposed to taking the vaccine has died of COVID-19, the Daily News has learned. Lt. Stephen Shyti, 63, died around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday after spending more than two weeks on a ventilator, officials said.
Multiple sources said the veteran court lieutenant and father of two was outspoken in his opposition to taking the vaccine and did not wear a mask at work. He was responsible for enforcing mask-wearing and other health and safety measures.
Dennis Quirk, the court officers’ union president, said Shyti’s beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine were the result of work at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11. “He had total mistrust in the government and wouldn’t get the vaccine.”
Read the full article. New York state court officers are defacto cops as they are permitted to carry weapons on and off duty and may make arrests when judges issue bench warrants.
New: A Manhattan court security lieutenant has died of COVID-19 after spending more than two weeks on a ventilator. Multiple sources said the 26-year veteran Lt. Stephen Shyti was outspoken against taking the vaccine and did not wear a mask to work at 100 Centre St.
— Molly Crane-Newman (@molcranenewman) September 8, 2021
It’s with a very heavy heart the NYSCOA announces the passing of Lt Stephen Shyti ( NYC Criminal Court). Please keep his family, friends,and the 100 Centre St. Command in your thoughts and prayers.
— NYS Court Officers Association (@NYSCOA) September 8, 2021