BRONX, NEW YORK — Former Mount Vernon Official Charged in Alleged Bronx Courthouse Shooting.

A former Mount Vernon Police Department official, her son and her husband are facing attempted-murder and weapons charges following an alleged shooting outside the Bronx County Hall of Justice in New York.

The shooting occurred on June 29, 2026, near the courthouse at approximately 11:57 a.m.

Prosecutors allege that 20-year-old Chase Lackard fired multiple shots from a vehicle toward a group of people believed to include a member of a rival gang.

No one was struck.

According to the indictment, Chase Lackard allegedly communicated with his mother, Jennifer Lackard, 49, before the shooting.

Prosecutors allege that text messages showed the two discussing where and when she should wait for him.

Investigators allege that Chase entered the vehicle with his parents and that his father, James Lackard, initially drove the vehicle near the courthouse.

Prosecutors allege that Chase subsequently fired numerous shots through a window of the vehicle toward people outside the courthouse.

Afterward, investigators allege that Jennifer moved into the driver’s seat and drove the family back to their residence.

Prosecutors further allege that Chase changed clothing following the shooting in an effort to avoid identification.

Jennifer Lackard previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Wellness within the Mount Vernon Police Department’s community affairs division.

She joined the department in 2020 and had worked in areas involving community relations, police reform and wellness.

Following her arrest, the City of Mount Vernon terminated her employment.

City officials stated that the allegations were unrelated to her duties with the department and did not arise from conduct associated with her official responsibilities.

Her arrest has also prompted public discussion about the department’s hiring and vetting process.

The defendants face charges including second-degree attempted murder, attempted assault, weapons offenses, conspiracy and reckless endangerment.

Jennifer Lackard — Prosecutors accuse her of helping coordinate the alleged attack and acting as a getaway driver.

She pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $75,000.

Chase Lackard — Prosecutors accuse him of being the alleged shooter.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded into custody.

James Lackard — Jennifer’s husband and Chase’s father. Prosecutors allege that he drove the vehicle during the alleged attack.

He later surrendered to authorities and was arraigned.

Investigators also recovered a loaded firearm during a search of the family’s residence, although prosecutors said that weapon was not believed to be the firearm used in the June 29 shooting.

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office has emphasized that an indictment is an accusation and does not constitute proof of guilt.

Cases involving alleged violence remind communities that accountability must be based on evidence, due process and transparency—regardless of a person’s position, profession or family connections.