Omar Mario Habib, 42, served the City of New York as an NYPD police officer for approximately 19 years, including assignments in the 40th and 47th Precincts. In 2015, Omar was recognized by the 40 Council at the 40th Precinct for his exemplary police work and his efforts as a mentor to newer officers.

On July 28, 2023, Omar and his partner responded to an incident at a catering hall in the Bronx that ultimately resulted in officers attempting to place an individual under arrest.

According to Omar and his defense, the individual had been involved in an altercation, was intoxicated and disorderly, had suffered an injury and had damaged mirrors inside the venue before officers attempted to take him into custody. The arrest ultimately took place in the confined space of an ambulance, where several officers became involved in a physical struggle with the individual.

Omar and his defense maintain that during that struggle, Omar was positioned beneath the individual and other officers as they attempted to gain control and complete the arrest. Omar disputes the prosecution’s characterization of his actions and maintains his innocence.

On August 13, 2026, following a jury trial in Bronx County, Omar was convicted of second-degree strangulation, third-degree assault and unlawful methods of restraint under New York City Administrative Code § 10-181. Following the felony conviction, Omar was dismissed from the NYPD and taken into custody while his case proceeds through post-trial proceedings.

Omar and his family strongly disagree with the verdict and intend to pursue every appropriate legal avenue available to him, including post-trial motions and appellate review.

The purpose of this fundraiser is not to ask the public to decide this case or substitute public opinion for the courts. It is to ensure that Omar has access to qualified legal representation and the resources necessary to fully exercise his right to challenge his conviction through the judicial process.

Appeals and post-trial litigation can be extraordinarily expensive. They may require appellate attorneys, extensive review and preparation of trial transcripts, legal research, filing fees, investigators, expert consultation and other significant case-related expenses.

Omar and his family are therefore asking those who believe he deserves a full and fair opportunity to pursue his legal remedies to help support the cost of that representation.

Following the verdict, Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York President Patrick Hendry publicly criticized the outcome and stated that the union would continue to support Omar as he pursues an appeal.

Whatever one’s views regarding the underlying case, Omar has the right to pursue the post-trial and appellate remedies available to him under the law. His family believes there are significant issues surrounding the circumstances of the arrest, the evidence presented at trial and the application of the law that deserve careful review through the judicial process.

IMPORTANT: BENEFICIARY AND USE OF FUNDS

No campaign proceeds will be paid to Omar, the campaign organizer or any member of Omar’s family.

Appellate counsel is currently being selected. No campaign payout will be released until an attorney or law firm has been formally retained to represent Omar and FundTheFirst.com has received verification of that representation.

Once counsel has been retained, FundTheFirst.com will issue campaign proceeds directly to the attorney or law firm representing Omar for payment of his legal fees and case-related legal expenses. Payments will be made only to an account designated and verified by retained counsel.

Campaign proceeds may be used solely for expenses directly related to Omar’s legal representation, including:

• Attorney and appellate counsel fees
• Post-trial motion practice
• Trial and hearing transcripts
• Court and filing fees
• Legal research
• Investigative expenses
• Expert consultation and expert-witness expenses
• Record preparation and reproduction
• Other reasonable expenses directly associated with Omar’s criminal defense, post-trial proceedings and appeal

Campaign proceeds will not be distributed to Omar for personal use and will not be used for ordinary living expenses, personal purchases, criminal fines, penalties, restitution or expenses unrelated to his legal representation.

Any funds remaining after Omar’s legal proceedings have concluded will be handled in accordance with applicable law and the terms governing this fundraiser and will not be converted to Omar’s unrestricted personal use.

The fact that legal fees are being funded through this campaign does not give FundTheFirst.com, the campaign organizer or any donor control over Omar’s attorney, legal strategy or attorney-client relationship. Any attorney retained to represent Omar will represent Omar independently and will exercise professional judgment solely in accordance with his or her legal and ethical obligations.

All distributions from this fundraiser remain subject to applicable law and any legally required notices, restrictions, court orders or governmental directives.

Omar and his family are extraordinarily grateful to everyone who chooses to help provide him with the resources necessary to pursue a full and fair review of his case. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser can be just as meaningful.

Thank you for standing with Omar and his family during this difficult and uncertain time.

Disclosure: Contributions to this individual legal-defense fundraiser are not tax-deductible charitable contributions.

FundTheFirst.com provides the fundraising platform and does not take a position on the merits of the underlying criminal proceeding. Statements concerning disputed facts and Omar’s position regarding the case reflect the position of Omar, his family and/or his legal defense.

Feature photo © T. Blumenberg.