Schumer Applauds New Bomb Tech Testing At Penn Station
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-Brooklyn) announced yesterday that, following his public push, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will test new bomb detection technology at Penn Station, beginning today.
Last year, following the failed subway terror attack by Bangladesh native Akayed Ullah, Schumer explained that the TSA possesses a technology to help detect suicide vests or other strapped-to-the-body explosive devices before they detonate. However, the new technology had yet to be tested formally in New York City. After arguing for the technology back in December, the new devices are headed for the city’s busiest transit hub for testing this week.
According to the TSA, a new screening technology, known as Stand Off Explosive Detection Technology, will help law enforcement officials detect hidden explosives and whether an individual is wearing a suicide vest. Additionally, as an individual passes by the device, it can detect the presence of a potential threat object by passively assessing naturally occurring emissions from the human body. If it identifies the presence of a potential threat it will alarm on the operator’s laptop used to control the device. The TSA says the device can be used by transit agencies, like those that oversee the subways and train stations, to detect potential threats..
“The ability to detect concealed explosives worn by cowards looking to do us harm – demands the federal government continue to put both the testing and the perfecting of this technology on the fast-track,” said Schumer.
“America’s busiest cities, like New York, are the places where these devices will save lives, and if they work as well as touted, we must pursue an expedited seal of approval that gives all of us another layer of security to fend off would be lone wolf terror. As the threats we face evolve our preparedness and response must evolve as well to remain a step ahead of evil doers,” added Schumer.
Kavanagh To Introduce Gun Violence Prevention Bills
State Senator Brian Kavanagh (D-Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan) alongside other state lawmakers of the New York Legislators For Gun Prevention will release a package of common sense gun prevention bills today.
The announcement comes less than two weeks after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida which resulted in the death of 17 students and teachers. The suspected gunman, 19-year old Nikolas Cruz, opened fire on the students by using an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, and has now been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.
The event will also mark the first day the Legislature is back in session since the tragedy.
The event is slated for 12-noon, today, Feb. 27, outside the Senate Chamber (3rd Floor) at the Capitol Building in Albany.
BP Adams Celebrates Dominican Independence Day
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will host a community celebration of Dominican Independence Day alongside locally elected Dominican-Americans, Council Members Rafael L. Espinal Jr. (D-Bushwick,East New york) and Antonio Reynoso (D-Bushwick, Williamsburg) today.
In addition to enjoying cultural performances and cuisine, the gathering will celebrate the landmark agreement signed in December between the Borough of Brooklyn and the Coalition of Latin American Consuls in New York (CLAC-NY), an association of local consulates representing 18 nations from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
According to data from the US Census Bureau, there are more than 500,000 Brooklynites of Latino origin. Borough President Adams and other dignitaries —including the Honorable Patria Frias-Colón, Brooklyn’s first Dominican-born judge — will speak about the importance of this new partnership in supporting this growing population.
The event is slated for 6 p.m., today, Feb. 27, at Brooklyn Borough Hall, at 207 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Colton To Award Distinguished Women for Community Achievements
Assembly member William Colton (D-Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) will honor the community achievements of local women next month.
March is officially recognized as Women’s History Month in the US. Colton’s annual tradition will honor worthy women from South Brooklyn with Women of Distinction Awards. This years honorees were selected for their enormous contributions as valuable and crucial members of their community.
“It is important and rewarding to reflect on women’s history. Listening to the rich history and stories of successful women can be empowering to many. The awards serve as reminders that success is achievable, their achievements are commendable, and that no woman should be hindered for her identity,” said Colton.
“There is still much to be done in terms of gender equality and respecting women’s rights. Only recently has the “Me Too” movement gained momentum and flooded mainstream awareness. This movement is all a part of women’s history, and as we speak, women around the world are penning this new chapter,” added Colton.
The event is slated for 12-noon, Sunday, March 18, at 29 Bay 25th Street in Bath Beach.
Deutsch Announces Summer Youth Employment Program Openings
City Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest) announced yesterday that The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is now accepting applications through the middle of March.
SYEP pays young adults to work in a community based organization for six weeks in July and August. Participants work in entry-level jobs in a variety of industries.
Programs are located in community-based organizations in all five boroughs of New York City.
“A summer job gives young people the opportunity to learn responsibility, try out careers that interest them, and earn some pocket cash. My office has been a SYEP provider, and I’ve been exceptionally proud to watch my teenage summer employees grow and flourish through their work in my office and beyond,” said Deutsch.
To qualify for the program, applicants must be between the ages of 14 – 24 and live in New York City. Deadline for final applications is March 16. If you have questions or concerns, please call 718-368-9176 or email CDeutsch@council.nyc.gov.
To apply, visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/jobs-internships/summer-youth-employment-program-syep.page.
Golden Hosts Lunar New Year Celebration
State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I,Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) together with the Chinese American Partnership Inc., will host his annual Lunar New Year celebration (4716), the Year of the Dog this weekend.
This year’s celebration marks the Year of the Dog as each Chinese new year is represented by an animal in the Chinese zodiac.
The celebration will include cultural presentations including the Lion Dance, Kung Fu and Tai Chi Martial Arts, Qi Pao Traditional Gown Show, singing and dancing from local schools and academy schools, and a civic and community information booth. The performances scheduled will feature an array of talents, including professional entertainers, senior, youth and children. Admission is free to all.
The event is slated for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 4, at New Utrecht High School, at 1601 80th Street in New Utrecht.
Lawmakers Lobby Famed Coney Island Restaurant To Cancel NRA Fundraiser
Coney Island Democratic lawmakers including City Council Member Mark Treyger, U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and State Sen. Diane Savino as well as Public Advocate Letitia James and City Comptroller Scott Stringer yesterday released the following joint statement regarding the scheduling of a National Rifle Association Fundraiser at the Coney Island restaurant Gargiulo’s, 2911 West 15th Street.
“At a time when our country is mourning the loss of 17 lives in a mass shooting, it is profoundly disappointing that a storied Coney Island institution, with a long history of being a strong civic and community partner, is choosing to host a National Rifle Association fundraising event that includes raffle giveaways of guns. Bringing an event like this to Coney Island is an affront to all of the hard work that our community has done to address gun violence in our neighborhood,” said the lawmakers.
“We know that Gargiulo’s has always had the best interests of the Coney Island community at heart, which is why it is so disappointing that they are hosting the NRA, an organization that actively lobbies for concealed carry reciprocity, something that NYPD Commissioner O’Neill has rightfully called ‘insanity.’ There is no room in Coney Island or our city for events like this. We urge Gargiulo’s to expeditiously cancel this event.”
Additionally, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said, “There are far more friends of gun reform in Brooklyn, including responsible gun owners like me, than friends of the NRA who think it’s responsible to raffle off rifles at a fundraiser. Students from Park Slope to Parkland are leading a national movement demanding action to save lives amid our gun violence epidemic, and I believe our borough’s young people will have plenty to say about this event happening in our own backyard.”
