BRONX, NY (August 13, 2026) – After a string of unconnected gun violence deaths and injuries in the West Bronx, including the deaths of multiple children, NYC Council Member Pierina Sanchez shared the following:

“Violence is not normal, and we will not accept it as an inevitable part of life in the West Bronx. Every life taken leaves a family shattered and a community carrying yet another wound,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “This week, a 15-year-old was shot and killed inside a Claflin Avenue apartment, where a 13-year-old boy was also wounded. A man was shot in the head near the Kingsbridge Road 4 train station. These tragedies follow the deadly shooting at M Lounge, the killing of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes by stray gunfire, and other acts of violence that have shaken our neighborhoods in recent weeks. While these incidents are not known to be connected, together they reflect an unacceptable surge in violence that demands immediate attention. My prayers are with every victim, every family, and every neighbor living with the fear and grief these incidents leave behind.”

“I thank Governor Hochul forinvesting $3 Million in the West Bronx Community Safety Partnership through Project RISE this past year and continue to urge Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani todeepen that investment and mobilize an urgent, coordinated response that combines effective law enforcement with expanded violence interruption, youth engagement, mental-health services, neighborhood outreach, and sustained community investment. Our residents need every level of government working together with urgency to prevent further tragedy and restore safety and hope.”

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