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 multiple shootings across this city led to one fatality and struck seven innocent bystanders including an 11-year-old boy in East Flatbush while sitting on a stoop. His leg injury was not life-threatening and he remains in stable condition. 

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“This week, an 11-year-old boy was shot in the leg by a stray bullet while sitting on his stoop. While I am thankful that his injury was not life-threatening, his physical and emotional scars could last a lifetime. Summertime is best spent outdoors and amongst loved ones, but the prevalence of gun violence has forced many of us – particularly our children – to make this season synonymous with violence. This cannot continue to be the norm.

“I am deeply saddened that our youth cannot wholeheartedly experience a care-free childhood without the pervasive fear of violence. Black and brown communities are in crisis. As our city slowly reopens, I remain committed to ensuring that our children can thrive. We deserve to feel safe in all that we do, each and every day.    

“We have worked collectively for years to reduce crime and we will not allow any individual(s) to sow fear or diminish the sacrifices that we have made to build this community. This is our home and we remain committed to ensuring that it remains a safe place to live, work, play, and raise our families. These disturbances to our peace and quality of life will not be tolerated—not today, not tomorrow, never. 

“During this pandemic, we have come together in so many incredible ways by being good neighbors and caring for one another. 

“Our office will be launching an Occupy the Block series throughout the summer months starting next week with our Cure Violence partners under the NYC Crisis Management System. Through this collaborative effort, we will focus on de-escalating violence and sharing valuable resources with at-risk populations.”

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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