Williams Statement After Police Kill EDP Man
City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) yesterday expressed condolences and a need to know the full circumstances behind yesterday’s police shooting to death of an emotionally disturbed person (EDP) in East Flatbush.
Dwayne Jeune, 32, was shot five times after a brief confrontation with police inside the apartment he shared with his elderly parents at 1370 New York Avenue. Police were at the scene after responding to EDP call.
According to media and initial police reports, Jeune lunged at cops who were called to the apartment, with a 10-inch bread knife. Officer Miguel Gonzalez opened fire after another cop tried to subdue Jeune with a Taser, which was not effective.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the man that was killed today. While news is developing around the incident, I am nonetheless concerned with the loss of life that occurred. In particular, whether protocols were followed for dealing with a call for an Emotionally Disturbed Person,” said Williams.
“Until we get further information, I ask that we keep our prayers with the family.”
Schumer Calls For Investigation Of Fast Food Packaging
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) yesterday called on the Food and Drug Administration to launch a formal investigation on fast food packaging products such as the wraps and containers that hold burgers, and cups that hold soft drinks.
Schumer made the call after citing a Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics report and a seven-year Centers for Disease Control (CDC) based study that examined the dangerous relationship between chemicals present in fast food packaging and health effects on the human body.
The chemicals, known as phthalates (THA-LATES), exist in a slew of the fast food industry’s packaging products and have been banned or at least studied by other industries. Yet, when it comes to the fast food industry, these chemicals remain on the inventory supply menu, spurring Schumer to act and call for the formal FDA investigation into fast food packaging and its health consequences.
“To think that we have all this data on phthalate chemicals from doctors, scientists, health experts and other industries just sitting around, frozen like a beef patty and begging for the FDA to take it to the next appropriate level of scrutiny is worrisome for the consumer,” said Schumer. “The studies are clear: the link between these chemicals does have an impact on the body, and not a very good one. That is why I am asking the FDA to launch a formal investigation into the fast food products that wrap our burgers or subs, hold our drinks and contain our leftovers.”
Schumer added, “Consumers are not giving these everyday packaging products a second thought. They assume they are safe—and they should be, especially when their reach extends to millions upon millions of Americans. So, the FDA must take my order for a fast food packaging investigation very seriously and take this long-sitting health data off the backburner. The agency must now take a closer look at these products for the sake of consumers and their everyday health.”
Clarke Urges State Department to Resist Citizenship Nullification for Dominicans of Haitian Descent
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-Crown Heights, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Brownsville, Sheepshead Bay) yesterday joined 15 colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. State Department calling on the agency to resist attempts to nullify the citizenship of Dominicans who are of Haitian descent.
In 2013, the Dominican Republic’s Constitutional Court held that the children of parents who are “in transit” (a category that includes undocumented immigrants) are not citizens. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people who were born in the Dominican Republic – many of whom speak Spanish rather than Haitian Creole – have been defined as non-citizens. Hundreds of people have already been deported, and individuals who have remained often experience discrimination.
“These continued attacks on Dominicans of Haitian descent are unacceptable and must end immediately. There are now people born in the Dominican Republic who speak Spanish and know that nation as their land. These are people who have been defined as non-citizens, effectively stateless non-persons, in their own home. Many Haitians came to the Dominican Republic to work or to escape the turmoil that followed the earthquake in 2010,” said Clarke.
“Forcing them to return to Haiti would result in needless suffering without any purpose. I am also deeply concerned that the nullification of citizenship for people of Haitian descent was motivated by racism against individuals of African descent – a rationale that should never form the basis of policy and has no place in this day and age. I urge the Department of State to work with the government of the Dominican Republic to reverse this terrible decision,” she added.
Mosley Elaborates On 2017 J’ouvert Safety Plan
Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley yesterday announced hailed the NYPD’s precaution plan for this year’s upcoming J’ouvert celebration in an effort to stop the violence and shootings that have occurred in years past.
These plans include the festival before the annual West Indian Labor Day Parade will begin at 6 a.m. instead of a night-long celebration to allow for increased sight-lines and extra daylight throughout the parade.
Additionally, there will be 12 entry points throughout the parade route that will serve as checkpoints with attendees of the parade being subject to wand detectors at each checkpoint. Also, no alcohol, large bags or backpacks will be allowed past the checks points, 400 officers will be dedicated to these checkpoints, in addition to the 1,600 officers that will be patrolling the entire parade route and light towers will be installed throughout the parade route.
“I am thrilled that the NYPD has taken the concerns of the community seriously. Over the past few years we have experienced senseless and tragic acts of violence that have marred an otherwise vibrant and uplifting celebration of culture and history,” said Mosley. “Myself, along with Mayor de Blasio, Borough President Adams, and J’ouvert organizers are working diligently to ensure community outreach and education platforms are at the forefront of these safety efforts. Through education, we will be able to bring new life to the history behind J’ouvert and bring our community together.”
Gillibrand To Host Town Hall Meeting
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) tomorrow will host a Town Hall meeting at Medgar Evers College.
This event is the fifth of several town halls Gillibrand is hosting around the state as part of her commitment to hearing from as many New Yorkers as possible. Special guests attending the event will include NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Medgar Evers College President Rudy Crew. Gillibrand will take questions from constituents on issues ranging from health care to jobs and the economy.
The Town Hall is slated for between 1:15-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 2 at Medgar Evers College, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, 1650 Bedford Avenue in Crown Heights. All are welcome to come. Thos wishing to attend can RSVP ahead of time HERE or you can same-day RSVP at the event, but space is limited and will be first come, first serve.
Hamilton to Present Check For Brower Park Capital Improvements
State Sen. Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) tonight will present a symbolic oversize check for $175,000 in state capital funding that he was successful in allocating to Brower Park in Crown Heights.
The money will go towards upgrading the park facilities including lighting improvements, basketball courts, and additional improvements to community athletics facilities. Assemblywoman Tremaine Wright (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) will also be on hand at the park.
The ceremony is part of the 77th Police Precincts annual National Night Out Against Crime. It is slated for 2:30 p.m., today, Aug. 1 in Brower Park (Park Place between Brooklyn Avenue and Kingston Avenue in Crown Heights.
