BK Lawmakers React To Pipe Bomb Terror Threat
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, Assemblywoman Jaime Williams (D- Canarsie, Mill Basin, Gerritsen Beach, Georgetown) and Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) congratulated the New York Police Department (NYPD) and emergency response teams for their efforts during the pipe bomb terrorist threat at Port Authority Bus Terminal yesterday.
A lone suicide bomber, Akayed Ullah, a Bangladeshi native, detonated part of his “low tech” explosive in the passage just 200 feet from the bus terminal at West 42nd St. and Eighth Ave. at 7:20 a.m., officials said. According to initial reports, after the explosion, Port Authority (PAPD) cops struggled with Ullah, who had a device with wires attached to his body with velcro and zip ties, police officials said. The terrorist tried to set off the rest of his bomb in the struggle but four PAPD officers grabbed him and successfully removed the explosives without further incident.
“I’m grateful for the diligent response of the NYPD, FDNY, and all of our first responders to today’s pipe bomb explosion at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, an incident that we are blessed did not result in more serious damage. New York City remains the safest big city in America because of their bravery and hard work each and every day. New Yorkers know all too well that terror-minded individuals have our city in their sights, but we know that no matter how they may try to shake us, they will never, ever break us,” said Adams.
“I am grateful to the New York City Police Department and all emergency first responders for their swift and precise deployment and prompt restoration of our transit system and our way of life. Once again we are reminded to be ever vigilant and to always speak out and contact the authorities when see and believe anything suspicious may be occurring. Acts of terror will not and cannot be allowed to continue. America is and always will be the home of the brave and the land of the free and not terrorist attack will weaken or ideals and determination,” said Williams.
“Thank God there weren’t more injuries or fatalities from this morning’s terror attack. The response by NYPD, FDNY, NYC Emergency Management, and other first responders should give all New Yorkers confidence – they’re the best in the world. We are winning on the battlefield but we must constantly remain vigilant at home against ISIS-inspired or directed attacks. New York City remains the world’s top terror target, but fully resourced city, state, and federal anti-terror authorities will continue to save lives by preventing and responding to threats,” said Donovan.
Colton Collects Holiday Toys with Toys for Tots
Assembly member William Colton (D-Bensonhust, Bath Beach) is collaborating with Toys for Tots to collect toys for less fortunate children this holiday season.
The annual New York City tradition is run solely by the Marine Corps Reserve and provides holiday gifts for children from low-income backgrounds while supporting the effort of our troops.
The event will run through Thursday, Dec. 21, toys can be donated to Colton’s district office at 155 Kings Highway in Bensonhurst.
Mosley Applauds Cuomo’s Plastic Bag Task Force
Assembly member Walter T. Mosley (D-Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) applauded New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo‘s recent launch of a Plastic Bag Task Force to combat the city’s overuse of the environmentally hazardous bags.
Earlier this year, the State Assembly voted to prevent a plastic bag fee from taking effect in New York City, prompting Cuomo to create the force to completely ban plastic bags. According to the Governor’s office, across New York, residents use 23 billion plastic bags annually, with only around 1% recycled. While the New York City Department of Sanitation currently estimates that it collects an average of 1,700 tons of plastic bags per week, costing $12.5 million per year in disposal expenses.
“Instead of a fee that will disproportionately punish low-income New Yorkers, including many families in my district, the task force discussed a total ban on plastic bags. A full ban on plastic bags will ensure that our environment is protected without placing a financial burden on families,” said Mosley.
“While the task force has not made any final recommendations I am glad to see that they are moving away from punitive fees, and towards widespread change that will benefit the entire state. I look forward to what the task force will recommend, along with our entire state moving forward together towards a cleaner and greener environment,” added Mosley.
Espinal’s Potty Parity Legislation Coming To NYC Public Bathrooms
City Council member Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick, East New York) applauded the overwhelming vote to pass his legislation yesterday, Intro No. 1241, which will require that new or renovated buildings containing a public toilet room to have a diaper changing station.
Public buildings fall under the categories of assembly group A occupancies and mercantile group M. Prime examples of these buildings are: department stores, drug stores, restaurants, sales rooms, retail or wholesale stores, motion picture theaters, symphony and concert halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, museums.
In 2015 Ashton Kutcher famously spearheaded the “potty parity” movement and on October 7, 2016 President Obama signed into law the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act, requiring restrooms in publicly accessible federal buildings to have diaper changing stations.
“More often than not, public restrooms do not have dedicated spaces for families to care for their children. After witnessing a father changing his daughter’s diaper on an unsanitary sink in a public space, I thought it was important for diaper changing stations to be a requirement in all public bathrooms. Moms and dads should have equal access to sanitary and safe spaces when changing their baby’s diapers. Now, every public building in NYC will have to create a space to allow parents to change their child’s diaper with dignity,” said Espinal.
