Camrin Williams, a teenage rapper charged with the shooting of a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, Kaseem Pennant, has been released from prison after posting bond.

16-year-old Williams, also known by his stage name C Blu, posted $250,000 in bond on Thursday after spending a week locked up in a Brooklyn juvenile facility following his arrest earlier this month.

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The release of Williams on bond was described as ‘disgraceful’ by people across New York City, with NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch saying, “If anybody wants to know why we have a crisis of violence in this city, or why we’re about to bury two hero police officers, look no further than this disgraceful bail release.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams also issued a similar statement, calling for ‘outrage’ after Williams’ release.

“New Yorkers should all be outraged that a repeat offender, accused of shooting at a police officer, is today walking free on bond because judges are precluded from even considering danger to the community, like every other state and our federal courts. It is further proof that our current system is failing us,” said the Mayor.

“Today of all days, with the city in mourning over the deaths of Detective First-Grade Jason Rivera and Police Officer Wilbert Mora, we all must come together and agree that changes are needed. We cannot allow those who carry guns to walk free – we can pursue safety and justice at the same time, and we must, for the safety of all of us,” added the 61-year-old, urging people to vote for legislation on gun control amid rising gun violence in New York City.

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Williams had been arrested earlier on January 18 after shooting NYPD officer Pennant in the leg during a tussle in the Belmont section of the Bronx. Both Pennant and Williams were hospitalised following the struggle: Pennant was released the following day after his gunshot wound to the leg was treated; Williams was discharged later after being treated for a non-life-threatening injury.

The 16-year-old is a repeat offender and was on probation following a 2020 arrest for gun-related charges.