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Who was Jacob Freytes? President Donald Trump hugs slain Bronx boy’s parents in emotional viral video - watch
Jacob Freytes, a 12-year-old boy, was killed by a stray bullet. The shooter, 45-year-old William Ferrer, faces multiple charges.
President Donald Trump stepped off the stage during a speech on Long Island on Friday to embrace the grieving parents of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, a Bronx boy whose death from a stray bullet has drawn national attention.
The emotional moment unfolded at the Nassau County Police Academy in Garden City, New York, where Trump was addressing law enforcement and discussing his administration's efforts to combat violent crime.
Trump had been speaking about Freytes when he asked whether the boy's parents were in the audience. After learning they were present, he walked off the stage and approached Migdalia Martinez and retired NYPD Sgt. Jesus Freytes.
Trump hugged both parents and spoke privately with them before returning to the podium.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later shared video of the encounter on social media, calling it an “impromptu moment” in which Trump embraced the parents of the boy.
Who was Jacob Freytes?
Jacob Freytes was a 12-year-old Bronx boy who was killed by a stray bullet while riding his bicycle outside a bodega.
Trump said during his speech that the bullet was fired during a gun battle involving a repeat offender. The shooting occurred in late July and has since become a focal point in Trump's broader argument for tougher action against repeat offenders.
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Jacob was the son of Martinez and Jesus Freytes, a retired New York City police detective.
His death has also prompted Republican lawmakers in New York to introduce a proposal known as “Jacob's Law,” which would increase penalties when reckless criminal conduct results in the death of a child, according to Fox News.
What happened when Trump met Jacob's parents?
Trump interrupted his speech after recognizing that Jacob's parents were among those attending the event.
“Two weeks ago, a 12-year-old boy named Jacob Freytes — You read about this one?” Trump said before describing the shooting, as quoted by Fox News.
He then asked: “Are you with us?”
After receiving confirmation, Trump left the podium and walked toward the couple.
The video showed Martinez visibly emotional as Trump embraced her. He also hugged Jacob's father and spoke with both parents before returning to the stage.
“Incredible. Horrible story. What a horrible thing,” Trump said after returning to the podium. “But we're going after them. These are bad, sick people.”
The moment quickly drew attention online after Leavitt posted footage of the interaction.
Who was arrested in Jacob's death?
Police arrested 45-year-old William Ferrer in connection with the shooting, according to Fox News.
Ferrer faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, and has pleaded not guilty.
According to the New York Post, Ferrer has an arrest record spanning more than 25 years, including previous charges involving drunken driving, drug possession, menacing and criminal contempt.
