Officials Condemn 'Attack On East Haven Police Officer' At Foxon Road Street Takeover

EAST HAVEN, CT — Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, State Rep. Joseph Zullo, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, and Sen. Paul Cicarella released the following joint statement 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.

Mayor Carfora, state Rep. Zullo, Minority Leader Candelora, and Sen. Cicarella

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“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.”

Senator Paul Cicarella (R, 34) added, “What happened at the ShopRite Plaza in East
Haven was an appalling, calculated act of violence, and I condemn it without hesitation
or qualification. It was brazen criminality aimed at undermining public order. I stand with
my colleagues to reaffirm, for all communities and residents impacted, that we will not
be bullied, and we will not allow our towns to be used as a playgrounds for lawless
mobs.”