Reaction To Arrest Of Three Terrorists Suspects
Yesterdays arrest of three terrorist suspects from Brooklyn who were charged with plotting to join ISIS and to kill President Obama brought out the following comments from the borough’s elected officials:
U. S. Sen. Chuck Schumer: “This foiled ISIS plot sends shivers down the spine of New Yorkers and clearly underscores that we must remain ever-vigilant in the face of terror threats, and that funding our national security must be a top priority of the federal government, at all times. While details are still emerging, it is reassuring to know that the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force has had eyes on these would-be terrorists for months. We have the best law enforcement community in the world protecting us each and every day.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries: “This development is a chilling reminder of why we must fund the Department of Homeland Security immediately. These three terror suspects appear to have been plotting to take the lives of innocent Americans, including New Yorkers. The FBI, NYPD and law enforcement community should be commended for their diligent work in this case. The time for political gamesmanship by House Republicans has come to an end.”
City Councilman Jumaane Williams: “As we wait for this investigation to unfold, I would first like to thank the FBI and law enforcement officials for their diligent efforts to keep New Yorkers safe. Just as NYPD Commissioner Bratton said and as all New Yorkers know, terrorism threats are very real. At the same time, we must not fall victim to mass hysteria and should try to carry on as normal.”
Adams Celebrates Borough’s Black Businesses
As Black History Month winds down, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams today will honor over 20 local black-owned businesses that have been in operation over 20 years at Borough Hall. In addition, there will be an expo of new businesses showcasing their wares.
Adams, who is the borough’s first black chief executive, will speak about the importance of Black History Month to the culture of Brooklyn as well as the impact that African-American businesses have had on the borough’s development. The Borough is nearly a third black, and the achievements of Brooklyn’s African-Americans in business, academia, science, politics, history, and arts and culture is lengthy and well-documented.
City Council Members Laurie Cumbo and Robert Cornegy, Jr. will also be in attendance. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street.
Golden Wants Stiffer Penalties For Eluding Cops
Bay Ridge State Sen. Marty Golden yesterday introduced a bill that would increase the penalties for those found guilty of unlawfully fleeing from a police officer.
Golden, a former New York City police officer, highlighted the measure after a police chase that ended in the Bath Beach section of his district yesterday, as the most recent evidence of the need for a change in the state law. Additionally, this past November, an incident in the Marine Park saw 18 year old Natalie Ferber critically injured by a van that was being pursued by police for seven miles in an incident which also left two injured NYPD detectives, Golden noted.
“We have seen both high speed and low speed chases result in injury and death of police officers, pedestrians and other drivers. Current law for fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle is too lenient and individuals take their chances in the hopes to get away,” said Golden. “We must deter this activity, similar to what we saw yesterday through Staten Island, over the Verrazano Bridge, and into through the streets of my district in Southwest Brooklyn.”
Cornegy Honors Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Bed-Stuy City Councilman Robert Cornegy and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito with recognize the Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BSVAC) as the first responders to December’s shooting and killing of two NYPD police officers with a proclamation today at City Hall.
The BSVAC is the oldest African-American volunteer ambulance corps in the nation and is credited in both saving numerous lives in Bed-Stuy and Central Brooklyn, and for helping numerous local residents get EMT training and certification.
