James, Hamilton Express Outrage To Second Crown Heights Stabbing
Public Advocate Letitia james and Crown Heights State Senator Jesse Hamilton yesterday expressed outrage and called for increased vigilance against hate crimes after a Hassid Jewish man was stabbed on Empire Blvd.
The stabbing was the second alleged random stabbing of a Hassidic Jew in the neighborhood in the past few months. Both victims are expected to survive.
“I am deeply concerned about a stabbing of a Jewish man that took place today in Crown Heights. While it is not yet been determined if this is a hate crime, this is the second random stabbing of a member of the Jewish community in Crown Heights in just a few months,” said James.
“Unfortunately, in this City and across the country, we are seeing an alarm increase in hateful rhetoric and hate crimes of all kinds. The suspect of this crime is still at large, and we must remain vigilant. I urge any New Yorkers with information about this crime to immediately call 1-800-577-TIPS.”
Hamilton said it is imperative that the community stands together against the brutal violence visited upon someone just walking down Empire Boulevard – blocks from his office.
“Such heinous acts of violence will not be tolerated. And while it is too early to know the motive of the attacker, I do know this kind of attack is not representative of our community and the inclusiveness our neighborhood fosters and celebrates. I urge anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward and aid the police in their investigation. I know I speak for the entire neighborhood when I say we pray for a speedy recovery for the victim of this outrageous crime,” said Hamilton.
Adams Launches Petition Drive In Support Of Brownsville Commuters
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and the Riders Alliance, a grassroots transit advocacy organization, today will launch a #MaketheConnection petition drive, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day on Sunday, to urge the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to offer a free out-of-station transfer for local Brownsville straphangers between the Junius Street station on the 3 line and the Livonia Avenue station on the L line.
The stops that are within a block of each other, but currently require two fares for transfer. They will make the case that a free transfer is a matter of economic equity to assist the growing commuter population in Brownsville and East New York; a significant number of the more than 5,400 riders a day who use these stations have to pay an extra fare daily.
Last November, heeding the calls of Adams and local advocates, the MTA promised to fund a station connector between the stops at Junius Street and Livonia Avenue, but there has been no commitment to eliminate the double fare before construction begins.
For comparison, the MTA offers a free out-of-station transfer for riders on the Upper East Side between the Lexington Avenue/59th Street station on the 4/5/6/N/Q/R lines and the Lexington Avenue/63rd Street station on the F line.
The petition drive launch is slated for 8 a.m. today at the corner of Junius Street and Livonia Avenue in Brownsville.
Colton Continues Call For Alternatives To ‘N’ Line Closure
Bath Beach/Bensonhurst Assemblyman William Colton and community leaders are calling on the MTA to open their ears to how riders are impacted by the 14-month closure of seven Manhattan bound N line stations in his district.
Colton’s office has been collecting petitions demanding better alternative transit accommodations for the riders and their families during this interruption of service.
Colton will rally for the better service from 4:30-5:30 p.m., today in front of Kings Highway N Line Station on Kings Highway between West 7 and West 8 Streets.
Donovan Critical Of Obama Administration Over Homeland Security
Southern Brooklyn/Staten Island Congressman Dan Donovan yesterday joined his colleagues on the House Committee on Homeland Security in grilling Obama Administration officials over flouting a law – signed by the President in December – intended to restrict terrorist entry into the United States.
The law strengthened entry requirements to thwart passport-holding citizens of European countries who train in terrorist hotspots, then travel to America.
“After the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, the federal government has a basic responsibility to scrutinize foreigners who have visited terrorist havens. Congress worked with the Obama Administration to enact the very law they’re now ignoring,” said Donovan.
Last December, Congress and the Administration reached bipartisan agreement on legislation requiring all travelers who visited Iraq, Iran, Syria, or Sudan in the past five years to apply for visas before entering the United States. Previously, citizens of 38 nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program could enter the United States without obtaining a visa, regardless of which countries they had visited in the past.
The day after the President signed the provision into law, Secretary of State John Kerry sent a letter to the Iranian Foreign Minister promising to interpret the statute “so as not to interfere with the legitimate business interests of Iran.” The United States lists Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.
“We’re already giving Iran access to billions of dollars, money they might use to finance additional terror operations against America and our allies. Now, the Administration is bending over backwards to appease Iran over common-sense security protocol. It’s mind-boggling,” said Donovan.
Bichotte Delivers State Of District Speech Tonight
Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte (Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood) will deliver her first annual state of the district speech tonight.
The speech is expected to address key issues in the State and district, as well as budget items, and her focus for the upcoming legislative session.
The program is slated for between 6-8 p.m., tonight at the Brooklyn College, Student Center, Gold Room, 6th Floor, Campus Road and East 27th Street. Light refreshments will be served.
