Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Sidney Thompson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a fare evader at IRT Station 2 in the Bronx. While attempting to arrest a suspect, the suspect's companion shot him. Despite being wounded, Officer Thompson was able to return fire and wound the suspect he had originally stopped. He was assigned to Transit District 12. Both suspects were members of the Black Liberation Army and were apprehended several days later. The gunman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole eight times. He was paroled June 22, 2018 and died in December 2019. Officer Thompson had served with the New York City Transit Police Department for six years. Survivors include his wife, son, and daughter. The Black Liberation Army was a violent, radical group that attempted to fight for independence from the United States government in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The BLA was responsible for the murders of more than 10 police officers and the wounding of many more law enforcement officers. Please click here to visit all the law enforcement officers who have died as a result of the Black Liberation Army's violent activism.
Survivors
Survivors include his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-D3A69B17- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Thompson gave the New York City Transit Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Sidney L. Thompson is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Transit Police Department, 11 of 14 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 78.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Sidney L. Thompson's cause is highlighted.
How Sidney L. Thompson Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 2018
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Sidney L. Thompson is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Sidney L. Thompson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York City Transit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
