Brooklyn Feels the Bern
Brooklyn supporters of presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will gather for a massive fundraiser tonight that is being billed as the largest gathering of Bernie Sanders supporters in Brooklyn.
Sanders, a U.S. Senator from Vermont, was born and raised in Brooklyn and graduated from Madison High School.
The event is part of a day of action for Bernie Sanders with over a thousand events across the nation taking place, coinciding with live-feeds of Bernie Sander’s speaking to his supporters.
Among the local groups affiliated with the event include Organizers from New York Labor for Bernie Sanders, The People for Bernie Sanders, Brooklyn Young Democrats, Brooklyn College Democrats, Shiftspark and New York for Bernie Sanders 2016.
The event is slated for 6:30 p.m. tonight at the KBH beer hall, 84 St. Marks Place in lower Park Slope.
Learn more about Brooklyn Feels the Bern at https://www.facebook.com/
Schumer, Gillibrand Get New York Homeland Security Funding
U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced yesterday that New York is set to receive millions in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
First, Schumer and Gillibrand announced $181 million in Fiscal Year 2015 funding for the New York City area through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). The UASI program provides funding to address the unique needs of high-threat, high-density Urban Areas.
“UASI is the cornerstone of effective prevention against terrorist threats. It enables NYPD to do all they can to keep New Yorkers safe and secure,” said Schumer. “We all know that New York City remains one of the top terrorist targets and this increase in funding will help better protect our city. I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has recognized the importance of this investment.”
“New York City remains the top terror target in the nation and we must continue to be vigilant in investing federal resources to keep us safe,” said Gillibrand. “Maintaining these critical anti-terror funds will help arm law enforcement with the necessary resources needed to protect New York families.”
Williams, Bichotte Question Flatbush Junction Bust
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane Williams and Midwood Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, yesterday, released the following statement after a controversial arrest was made by the New York Police Department at the Flatbush Junction Target.
A video posted online shows police punching a man as they pinned him to the ground while arresting him for trespassing. Click here to view the video.
“It is without question painful to see video of another unarmed black person undergo what appears to be excessive, forceful detainment by police. At the same time, and in this charged atmosphere, we must take caution not to unnecessarily inflame while addressing very real and valid concerns on police-community relations. As elected officials of this area, we believe we must do both.
“Given that the 14-minute video began with an arrest, it is appropriate to understand what led to the incident. Though a formal investigation is still underway, it appears that the gentleman arrested was at the Flatbush Junction Target a day earlier and had several exchanges with employees that led to at least one feeling unsafe. The man reportedly came back the following day and Target employees eventually called for NYPD assistance.
“This information was gathered after speaking with those who had first-hand knowledge of the incident and from members of the NYPD’s 70th Precinct. From what we’ve learned, it seems that NYPD initiating contact was warranted and requested. It must also be noted that while on the floor, the man’s hands appear to be underneath him and out of sight, which could reasonably cause concern to officers. We know it’s not practical to believe that every lawful arrest will be done without any force at all. Additionally, we must be careful not to treat every incident like the most egregious ones, lest we appear to weaken very legitimate concerns.
“With that said, there are still questions that should be asked around the NYPD’s use of force– particularly punches used to effect an arrest. In fact, it was the aggressive punching that seemed to alarm the shoppers more than the arrest itself. These questions include: Was this person mentally or emotionally disturbed? Was the use of force reasonable to get the person to comply if he was not complying? Was this use of force incorporated in department training or were these actions out of frustration? Is this same force used equally across the city, irrespective of neighborhood, class or race? These are realistic questions based on a reality that has legitimately led to the charged atmosphere we are in today. Still, they must be asked responsibly with the attempt to balance actual, not perceived, problems with over policing and the real difficulty and uncertainty of each policing encounter. Today, these questions and more will be sent in a letter to Target and the Police Department and we will await a response. It’s also our hope that investigators move swiftly in dealing with this case and are transparent with their findings.
“This time next week, our city will be preparing to hold its annual National Night Out for police and community to come together. In light of this and other incidents – including the questions that linger and the charged climate we are in – it’s our hope that New Yorkers across the city attend this event to once again bring a loud voice to these concerns and to help build stronger community engagement/relations. Though it’s just a small step toward fixing our damaged public safety system, it’s a good place to start.”
Clarke, De Blasio Decry Attack on Planned Parenthood
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette Clarke released the following statement on the announcement by California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris that she will review allegations that the Center for Medical Progress created a fraudulent limited liability corporation to secretly record a meeting with a doctor from Planned Parenthood.
Additionally, Clarke, along with Congresswomen Jan Schakowsky and Zoe Lofgren, and Brooklyn/Manhattan Congressman Jerrold Nadler – sent a letter to Attorney General Harris last week describing allegations that the Center for Medical Progress registered a nonexistent human biologics company as a limited liability corporation and used actors to meet with a doctor from Planned Parenthood, recording their conversation without her consent.
“I commend Attorney General Harris for her commitment to protecting the integrity of the California Corporations Code and the right of individuals to privacy in their personal conversations. Planned Parenthood has a record of distinguished service, providing comprehensive health care services to more than three million men and women each year,” said Clarke.
“Yet the organization remains under attack from Republican politicians and conservative activists who want to defund its invaluable work and present the public with false claims about the organization. These tactics are unacceptable. I also urge United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch to review these allegations about the Center for Medical Progress and, if required, conduct a full investigation to determine if any fraud or other illegal activities were committed.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio assailed U.S. Sen. Rand Paul’s effort to defund Planned Parenthood.
“Planned Parenthood first opened its doors in New York almost 100 years ago. Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul wants to close the doors of the most trusted women’s health care provider in the country. His reason has everything to do with politics and nothing to do with health care. Planned Parenthood serves 76,000 New Yorkers a year with sexual and reproductive health services. If New Yorkers have anything to do with it – and they do – Planned Parenthood will continue to connect New Yorkers to care for another 100 years, turning no one away,” said de Blasio.
Williams Announces Money For Glenwood Houses Sidewalks
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane Williams, today, will join the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, and other city officials and community leaders to announce significantly increased investments made on NYCHA sidewalks at Glenwood Houses.
The project resulted in thousands of square feet of newly completed concrete sidewalks and new pedestrian ramps.
WHO: Council Member Jumaane D. Williams; NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg; NYCHA Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Brian Honan; additional elected officials, community leaders, residents and students
WHAT: Williams to Join NYC DOT and NYCHA Representatives to Announce Significantly Increased Investment on NYCHA Sidewalks
WHERE: Glenwood Houses, East sidewalk of Ralph Avenue and East 76th Street, Brooklyn
WHEN: 10 a.m. today
