Adams Supports DA Vance in Prosecuting Amy Cooper
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams yesterday expressed support for Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr. in pressing misdemeanor false report charges against Amy Cooper for calling 311 on Black bird watcher Christian Cooper l;ast Memorial Day in Central Park.
“I see historical significance in the fact that the video of Amy Cooper calling the police on an innocent Black man in Central Park, and the footage of Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into George Floyd’s neck, surfaced within hours of each other. They powerfully demonstrated a reality that has become numbingly familiar for Black and Brown people across our country: the way law enforcement can be weaponized against us. Ms. Cooper invoked a long and painful legacy when she called the police on Christian Cooper, whose only crime was asking her to leash her dog. As I have said before, if Mr. Cooper hadn’t recorded the whole incident on video, the outcome might have been very different,” said Adams.
“In the weeks since, our nation has faced a powerful and long overdue reckoning on issues of policing. By one estimate, 26 million people have taken to the streets demanding systemic reforms and declaring with one voice that Black Lives Matter. But change cannot come without accountability. District Attorney Vance made the right call in initiating prosecution against Ms. Cooper,” he added.
If convicted Amy Cooper faces up to a year in jail.
Rose Introduces Legislation to Counter Global White Supremacist Terrorism
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island), along with U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fl) and U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) recently introduced the Countering Global White Supremacist Terrorism Act, bicameral legislation to strengthen the U.S. government’s counter-terrorism efforts against transnational white supremacy and identity groups.
“The perpetrators of white supremacist violence don’t just share the same vile, hate-fueled ideology—they’re increasingly sharing resources, training, and global terrorist networks just like we’ve seen from violent jihadist terrorist groups for decades,” said Rose, chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence & Counterterrorism. “This is a global problem, which is why we need the State Department to start confronting it with the same type of whole-of-government playbook that we bring to every other global threat.”
As white identity and other far-right violent groups continue growing around the world, this new bicameral legislation is a recognition that the Trump Administration must align its countering violent extremism programming to address this form of radicalization. Despite the increasingly transnational nature of white identity terrorism, U.S. efforts to address this global threat lag well behind our counter-terrorism efforts against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other Islamist violent extremist organizations.
The bill directs the U.S. Department of State to develop a strategy with other government agencies to respond to the interconnected global white identity terrorist movement. The bill also requires that the State Department report on these groups and determine whether they should be subject to sanctions under existing U.S. law.
Adams, Lander, Eugene Cut Ribbon on New Prospect Park Dog Run
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Councilmembers Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Gowanus, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) and Dr. Mathieu Eugene (D-Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) yesterday joined the Prospect Park Alliance and community members in cutting the ribbon on the new Kensington Dog Run at the Prospect Park Parade Ground.
The dog run, located in the Parade Ground along Coney Island Avenue, includes 7,000 square feet of fenced-in space, separated areas for large dogs and small dogs, and features an innovative canine-friendly turf, a first for a New York City park. The surface is low maintenance and durable, and boasts superior drainage thanks to a porous backing which allows rainwater and dog waste to flow through the material. The turf also incorporates an antimicrobial agent woven into its fibers that reduces the need for detergents or deodorizers.
The dog run also features benches made of reclaimed wood from downed park trees. Additional enhancements include waste receptacles, water fountains and new plantings of trees and dog-waste-resistant shrubs. Adams, Lander and Eugene funded the $405,000 project through their offices’ discretionary funding.
The Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Ditmas Park, Flatbush and Midwood areas are home to about 20,000 canines, according to a 2015 report by the NYC Department of Health.
“The new Kensington Dog Run is a testament to what our community can achieve when it comes together over a shared interest, like providing a space for our canine companions to enjoy. I was so proud to work with my colleagues in government and the local community to help fund this project through the participatory budgeting process. Amid an unimaginably difficult period for our city, it’s a small—but powerful—reminder that empowering communities at the grassroots level can deliver results,” said Adams.
“I have been working for many years to allocate funding for initiatives that revitalize and improve the Prospect Park Parade Grounds for present and future generations of New Yorkers. This project in particular is of immense importance to the pet owners who reside in this area because it provides them with a safe and protected setting to enjoy leisure time with their pets,” said Eugene.
“The Kensington Dog Run won’t protect us from COVID, advance racial justice, or make our community safe for all. But it felt pretty great to cut the ribbon this morning and remember that democracy can deliver public goods that transform our neighborhoods based on grassroots vision,” said Lander
Richardson Talks COVID-19 Phase 3, Lists Free Food Pantries
Assemblywoman Diana Richardson (D-Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) yesterday urged constituents to continue wearing a mask when out in public, use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not accessible, follow social distancing guidelines and take all necessary precautions to help stop the spread of COVID – 19 as the city enters into Phase 3 of the reopening of New York.
“The next layer of prevention and protection is testing. Our office remains persistent in increasing access to testing within the 43rd Assembly District and we will continue to bring this necessary resource, prevention measures and information to our constituents.
“If you are in need of food, do not go hungry. Please visit any of the locations below to get access to free, nutritional, and delicious food. Food distribution sites are open Wednesday through Saturday at the below locations – places and times. If you or someone you know has mobility issues please reach out to my office directly to coordinate alternative arrangements.
“Please remember that although the doors to my office are psychically closed, we remain open virtually Monday – Friday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm to assist you. Feel free to contact us at (718) 771-3105 or by emailing District43@nyassembly.gov.”
