FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

BROOKLYN, NY — NYC Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Brooklyn) issued the following statement after a 22-year-old man was shot and killed in East Flatbush on Monday evening.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“This summer season should have been a reprieve from months of sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead it has become a season of violence, countless deaths, and profound sorrow.

“Last night, 22-year-old Zion Millette-Selby was shot and killed on Avenue D near Troy Avenue. With the pull of a trigger, his life was tragically cut short. Our community has experienced yet another traumatic event, haunted by the sound of gunfire and the cries of a devastated family.

“Zion was a young man who always greeted me as I walked to and from the District 45 office formerly located at 4517 Avenue D, a few blocks away from where he was fatally struck last night. He wanted to pursue a career in carpentry and with the support of Elite Learners, Inc. was in the midst of completing his OSHA training to earn his license. Sadly, his dreams will never be fulfilled.

“In the past several weeks, shootings have overtaken the news cycle, highlighting the urgency of a community-led response and long-term resources to bring an end to the violence that continues to claim loved ones – primarily young Black men. These perpetrators have no respect for human life, choosing to look past the simple fact that their ‘target’ is someone’s child, parent, spouse, loved one, or friend.

“The individuals that feel compelled to decide who lives and who dies must be held accountable for their actions. Without these consequences, our community will continue to be subjected to the pain and trauma that we have experienced in succession.

“District 45 is home to multi-generational families who made tremendous sacrifices and worked tirelessly to make it a safer place to call home and open businesses. We can do it again, because we know what it takes to stop the violence.

“Every weekend, in partnership with G-MACC and several Cure Violence partners, local residents trained as volunteers will continue to occupy the block calling for peace and an end to the bloodshed in our community. These gun-related incidents will not become the norm – today, tomorrow, or ever. This is our home and any individual(s) who cannot resolve their conflicts without resorting to the use of a weapon, excessive, or deadly force is not welcome here.”

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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