Adams Supports NYPD Decision To Overturn Chokehold Ruling
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams yesterday issued a statement supporting NYP{D Commissioner James O’Neil’s decision to overturn a Civilian Complaint Review Board finding that a cop was guilty of using a banned chokehold.
The ruling was made several days ago amid much controversy, but the NYPD took the unusual step of releasing a video of the alleged incident, which happened in an elevator that clearly shows police subduing a suspect that began to get unruly and spitting at police officers.
“After reviewing the video tape of the NYPD officer in the misconduct trial, I strongly support Police Commissioner O’Neill’s decision to overturn the decision of a departmental trial, and not find the officer guilty of an illegal chokehold. The officer acted appropriately considering the dangerously uncooperative behavior of the suspect including fighting with and spitting at the officer as well as resisting arrest. The suspect in the video was a threat to himself and others in the transitional housing facility in Brooklyn,” said Adams.
“As a 22-year veteran of the NYPD, both as an officer and a captain, the importance of carefully balancing between the need for restraint in non-emergency situations, and using tactics that will protect the safety of officers and others, is always paramount in these kinds of situations,” he added.
Schumer, Donovan Get Brooklynite Medal Of Heroism For Actions During London Terror Attack
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Congressman Dan Donovan (R-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) yesterday announced that, after their recommendation, Brooklynite Mark Kindschuh will be awarded the ROTC’s Medal of Heroism.
Kinschuh, 19, of Bay Ridge and an ROTC cadet, did a summer term abroad in London and was at Borough Market with friends when the June 3 terror attack took place. During the attack, Mark risked his own life to save the life of a complete stranger who was in desperate need of medical attention. Mark previously worked as a lifeguard and used his emergency training skills to help the man, who was bleeding from his head. Mark’s quick thinking, courage and bravery saved the man’s life. In July, Schumer and Donovan praised Mark’s lifesaving efforts and in a letter to the U.S. Army said that, as an ROTC cadet, he is most deserving of the Medal of Heroism.
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to congratulate ROTC Cadet Mark Kindschuh for being awarded the ROTC Medal of Heroism,” said Schumer. “During the tragic London attack, ROTC Cadet Mark Kindschuh showcased immense heroism by running towards the danger, not away from it, to save the life of a complete stranger and because his actions, that man is alive today. I am proud to have recommended ROTC Cadet Mark Kindschuh for this award and look forward to his future successes in the military.”
“I’m so proud to represent this young man in Congress. His bravery and selflessness serve an example to us all. I’m sure the ROTC Medal of Heroism he courageously earned is just the beginning of a bright and impactful career of service to our country. Thank you, Mark,” said Donovan.
The U.S. Army Medal of Heroism is a U.S. military decoration awarded by the Department of the Army to an ROTC cadet who performs an act of heroism. The achievement must be an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding that it sets the individual apart from fellow students. The performance must have involved the acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities, exemplifying praiseworthy fortitude and courage. The Medal of Heroism is the highest Department of the Army medal awarded to ROTC cadets.
Menchaca To Unveil Improvements To 8th Ave Corridor In Sunset Park
City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) today will unveil community-inspired improvements that will make 8th Avenue in Sunset Park a cleaner, safer commercial corridor.
Residents and business owners have issued complaints for years about the lack of cleanliness along 8th Avenue, a major corridor serving the Chinese-American community. Other concerns have stemmed from the need for enhanced security measures along the avenue.
Menchaca will discuss the work his office has done to address these concerns and unveil new improvements related to safety and sanitation.
The unveiling of the improvements is slated for 12:30 p.m., today, Sept. 1 on the northeast corner of 8th Avenue and 55th Street in Sunset Park.
CM Williams Supports Queens City Council Candidate
City Councilmember Jummane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood), who is looking to become the next Speaker of the city council, yesterday announced he is endorsing Adrienne Adams in the upcoming 28th District City Council primary.
Both Queens Democratic Party Chair Congressman Joe Crowley and Queens Congressman Gregory Meeks are backing Adams for the seat vacated by Councilman Ruben Wills, who was found guilty of stealing public funds in July.
For Williams last week to become speaker he will need some help from boroughs other than Brooklyn, and both Crowley and Meeks are major political players in Queens.
“After carefully reviewing the platforms of each candidate, I consider Adrienne to have the best potential to represent the communities of Rochdale, Jamaica, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park. I was impressed with her long record of civic engagement and leadership which included her chairmanship of Queens Community Board #12 as well as her service with the Jamaica NOW Leadership Council, Jamaica Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Queens Borough Library Board of Trustees and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.,” said Williams.