POLICE ON 5TH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY
September 18, 2025
POLICE ON 5TH AVENUE

It was a deeply emotional moment. I came across thousands of police officers lining the entire length of 5th Avenue, from St. Patrick's Cathedral to 42nd Street, to honor two fallen officers, Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora. They were shot during a domestic abuse incident in Harlem.

That morning, it was snowing. As the motorcade approached me, I had a quick idea: I lowered my camera to slow the shutter speed, hoping to capture the light trails passing by as the officers' bodies were carried past me.

About the author

Phil Penman

UK-born, NY-based photographer Phil Penman has documented the rapid flux of New York City's streets for over 25 years. With clients ranging from People Magazine to The Daily Telegraph, he has photographed celebrated living legends, including Jennifer Lopez and Bill Gates, and captured historical moments such as the September 11th Terrorist Attacks. Penman's distinctive style, versatility, and dedication to his craft has won him prestigious awards and exhibitions, including the Leica Fotografie international Picture Prize and distinction as one of the "52 Most Influential Street Photographers" alongside industry legends, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado

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