Brooklyn district attorney diagnosed with cancer

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson has been diagnosed with cancer.

Thompson — a graduate of the New York City public schools system who was elected in 2014 as the first African-American to serve the borough as district attorney — updated the public on his health via a written statement which did not specify exactly what type of cancer he has contracted, but in which he swore he is “prepared for another fight.

“As a man of intense faith, I intend to fight and win the battle against this disease,” he said in the statement, which was sent out on Tuesday, October 4. “I humbly seek your sincere prayers as I confront this challenge and respectfully ask that you honor my family’s need and wish for privacy during this time.”

During his treatment and recovery, the Kings County district attorney’s office will be headed by Chief Assistant Eric Gonzalez, alongside other members of Thompson’s executive team.

Colleagues of Thompson’s were quick to send their support.

“Brooklynites have been privileged to have a fighter like Ken Thompson as the chief law enforcement officer of our borough,” said Borough President Eric Adams in a statement. “He is a tireless champion for justice, and his work has directly aided our shared mission to make Brooklyn a safer place to raise healthy children and families. I have no doubt that District Attorney Thompson will fight cancer with the same conviction and vigor that he has displayed his entire career. I pray for him and his family at this challenging hour, with hope and optimism for the future we will enjoy together.”

“Please join me in keeping District Attorney Ken Thompson in your thoughts and prayers as he fights cancer,” wrote Councilmember Vincent Gentile on Twitter after news of the DA’s illness first broke. “We’re all rooting for you, God Bless.”

“I thank you in advance for your prayers and look forward to rejoining you on the battlefield for justice,” said Thompson.