Carfora, Zullo, Candelora, and Cicarella Unite in Condemnation of Nov. 30th Attack on East Haven Police Officer, Cruiser

EAST HAVEN— Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, State Rep. Joseph Zullo, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, and Sen. Paul Cicarella released the following joint statement Monday regarding the disturbing incident that occurred Nov. 30 at the ShopRite Plaza (713 Foxon Road) involving an unprovoked attack on an occupied, marked East Haven police cruiser:

“In all respects, we stand united today to oppose and condemn the coordinated violence perpetrated against one of our East Haven police officers on November 30, 2025. This type of behavior is equal parts repugnant and cowardly. East Haven will not be intimidated, and we will not tolerate organized chaos that threatens the safety of residents or our officers.”

Mayor Carfora added, “We have made unprecedented investments in our police department during my administration to ensure not only the safety of our community, but the safety of our personnel. My administration stands by our officers, not only today in the wake of this sad incident, but every day. I stand firmly with Chief Lennon and our department as they seek to root out and hold accountable those involved in this sad event.

I am increasingly concerned and frustrated with the current state of our law enforcement policies in this state. Too often these policies restrain officers in ways that put them directly in harm’s way and deny them the ability to defend themselves with the strength and urgency the situation requires. It is unacceptable that the very people sworn to keep our community safe are restricted from taking the steps necessary to ensure their own safety. This cannot continue —something has to change."

Rep. Joe Zullo (R, 99) added, “This was not a prank, or a gathering gone wrong, but a coordinated and targeted attack on a uniformed East Haven police officer and a deliberate attempt to terrorize our community. This conduct is criminal, dangerous, and has absolutely no place in East Haven or anywhere in our State or country. My first order of business upon resumption of session in February will be to seek legislation strengthening the penalties for cowards who engage in this type of heinous, reprehensible behavior. “

Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R, 86) added, “Masked individuals ambushing an officer, vandalizing a marked cruiser, and recklessly parading through multiple towns is the behavior of criminals—plain and simple. It is behavior reflective of policies in our State that have gone too far in diluting respect for law enforcement and undermining the safety and efficacy of our officers.”