NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DR. HAZEL N. DUKES

 

"In addition to the one she led for so many years, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes was an institution unto herself. ‘Mama Dukes’ earned that title as godmother to so many Black leaders in our city, state and country, working to lead generations of people who cared about a just world down the path she trail-blazed. 

 

"As President of the NAACP New York State Conference, and long before, Dr. Dukes was on the front lines of the fight for civil rights. She was a force for racial equity and against racial injustice for decades, and her impact on our city and her Harlem home cannot be overstated. The void left by her passing cannot truly be filled, but those who follow must work to regain the ground she worked tirelessly to win, to advance her legacy and the movement she championed." 

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON PASSING OF DR. HAZEL DUKES

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Hazel Dukes:

 

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Dr. Hazel Dukes. For over 40 years, Ma Dukes has been an unwavering presence in my life — a trusted advisor, a cherished friend, and a guiding light during some of my most challenging times.

 

“Ma Dukes was a true trailblazer who dedicated her life to uplifting our community. As the longtime leader of the NAACP New York State Conference, she fought tirelessly for civil rights, education equity, and economic justice. Her fearless advocacy opened doors for countless New Yorkers — including myself — and helped shape our city and state into what it is today.

 

“I will remember Ma Dukes for her remarkable ability to bring people together. Whether in times of crisis or celebration, she could fill a room with her commanding presence yet make everyone feel heard and valued. Her wisdom, compassion, and straight-talking spirit made her a mother figure not just to me, but to several generations of leaders and community members throughout our city who were her ‘children.’

 

“While today I mourn the loss of a force in our community, I also celebrate a life richly lived. Ma Dukes embraced every day with purpose and passion. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the changes she helped create in our city and our nation.

 

“New York City has lost a giant, but heaven has gained a warrior. Rest in power, Ma Dukes. Your work continues through all of us who were blessed to know you.”

 

Mayor Adams today ordered all flags on all city buildings, as well as stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs, to remain lowered at half-staff in honor of the memory of Dr. Hazel Dukes. 

Housing Lottery Launches for 91 Bruckner Boulevard in Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 91 Bruckner Boulevard, a seven-story residential building in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by S. Wieder Architect and developed by Anshel Fridman of Artist Construction LLC, the structure yields 89 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 27 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $125,520 to $218,010.

Amenities include a garage with an electric vehicle charging stations, gym, a shared laundry room, common area Wi-Fi, bike storage lockers, an elevator, and a rooftop terrace. Amenities include a dishwasher, air conditioning, intercoms, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove and heat.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 13 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,661 for incomes ranging from $125,520 to $181,740, and 14 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $4,376 for incomes ranging from $150,035 to $218,010.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than April 28, 2025.

More Cops, Better Training: Commissioner Tisch Announces New Policies to Expand Recruitment and Strengthen Training of NYPD Candidates

 

In Face of Hiring Crisis, New Plan Will Reduce College Credit Requirements for Police Academy Entry, While Recent Review Increased Credits Earned Upon Graduating

NYPD Will Also Reinstate a Timed-Run Requirement to Ensure Physical Fitness

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced new policies to expand the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) recruitment efforts and strengthen academic and physical training.

The three-part plan to attract more candidates and modernize education requirements will reduce the number of college credits required to enter the Police Academy, increase the credits earned by completing recruit training at the academy, and reinstate the timed-run requirement to graduate. The NYPD is one of the only municipal police forces in the country that still requires college credits for candidates, and in 2023, 29% of NYPD applications—or 2,275 potential officers—were disqualified solely because of this requirement. As the department is facing a hiring crisis, these changes will allow the NYPD to attract more potential officers while maintaining academic and fitness standards.

Effective immediately, the NYPD will reduce the college credit requirement to enter the Police Academy from 60 credits to 24 credits. Individuals interested in an NYPD career who have acquired a minimum of 24 college credits are now eligible to apply, including more than 5,000 candidates on 29 active civil service lists who were previously ineligible.

Following a recent reassessment conducted by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS), the agency determined that completion of the six-month NYPD Police Academy recruit training program is equivalent to 45 college credits, up from the previous 36 credits. This increase is based on the academic strength and rigor of the program, which includes coursework in criminal law, criminal procedures and investigations, constitutional rights, crisis intervention, and more. Graduates of the academy will enter the NYPD with a minimum of 69 college credits.

The new plan also emphasizes a physically fit police force by reinstating the longstanding requirement of completing a 1.5-mile run in less than 14 minutes and 21 seconds. By prioritizing fitness, the NYPD’s Training Bureau will ensure that incoming officers are better prepared to meet the unique demands of law enforcement.

Police departments across the country have struggled in recent years with workforce declines and attrition. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Commissioner Tisch have set an important goal of increasing the headcount of the NYPD in the coming years, up from the current level of approximately 34,000.

“Public safety and justice are the prerequisites to prosperity, and as we continue to see record declines in crime across our city, we know we must take bold, decisive action to ensure we are doing everything in our power to put more officers on the streets and keep New York City the safest big city in America,” said New York City Mayor Adams. “I applaud NYPD Commissioner Tisch for embracing this vision and ensuring we reach every qualified individual who is committed to serving our city and protecting its people. We need not only more officers but also enhanced training, and this new initiative delivers on both fronts, setting us on a path to an even safer, more secure city.”

“Keeping the greatest city in the world safe requires recruiting and retaining the best people for the job,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Our officers work tirelessly to keep crime down and protect our communities, but it’s no secret that the NYPD is facing a hiring crisis. These changes will bring the department more in line with peer agencies across the country, strengthen our officer training, and ensure that the NYPD remains the best, and most rewarding way for someone to serve their community.”

The NYPD is one of the only remaining big-city municipal police forces with a college credit requirement, competing for applicants with cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, and Detroit—none of which have a college credit requirement. Many other local agencies, including Suffolk County, Westchester County, Yonkers, and Mount Vernon, also have no requirement.

North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Illegally Export Sensitive Technology to China

 

David C. Bohmerwald, 63, the owner of a Raleigh-based electronics resale business called Components Cooper Inc., pleaded guilty to attempting to export accelerometer technology with military applications to China without a license, in violation of the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced.

According to court documents and information presented in court, Bohmerwald purchased 100 accelerometers from a U.S.-based electronics company and then attempted to export the devices to a company in China. These accelerometers have a wide array of applications ranging from research and development of products to defense uses. When used for military applications, accelerometers are crucial to structural testing, monitoring, flight control, and navigation systems. The technology can help missiles fly better and measure the precise effect munitions have on structures. A license is required to export the accelerometers to China.

The U.S.-based electronics company notified law enforcement due to Bohmerwald’s suspicious and unusual purchase request. Among other things, when Bohmerwald purchased the accelerometers, he claimed that they were for an end user in Missouri. In fact, when federal agents contacted the Missouri company, they denied having an order pending with Bohmerwald and his business, Components Cooper.

After Bohmerwald received the accelerometers, he dropped two parcels at a local FedEx shipping store. One of the packages was addressed to a business in China. An agent with the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), detained the package and found it contained 100 accelerometers. The agent confirmed that there were no relevant licenses on file to support the export of the items. In addition, Bohmerwald falsely listed the value of the package at $100, when the true value was nearly $20,000. When interviewed by agents, Bohmerwald admitted to acquiring the technology on behalf of a Chinese-based company, knowing that the technology was export-controlled, and knowing export of the items required a license.

Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, John Sonderman, performing the non-exclusive duties of the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement.

The BIS, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Brendan Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

This case was coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.

Mexican Cartel Leader Jesus Mendez-Vargas In U.S. Custody On Drug Importation Charge

 

Jesus Mendez-Vargas Was a Leader of the Ruthless La Familia Michoacana Cartel’s Narcotics Trafficking Enterprise, Responsible for Importing Vast Quantities of Methamphetamine and Cocaine into the United States

Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging JESUS MENDEZ-VARGAS, a/k/a “Chango,” with conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S.  MENDEZ-VARGAS was taken into U.S. custody from Mexico and was presented on the charge contained in the Indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, Jesus Mendez-Vargas was a leader of the violent drug trafficking organization, La Familia Michoacana, based in Mexico, with primary responsibility for the organization’s drug trafficking activities from approximately 2006 to 2011.  La Familia imported vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico and engaged in extensive violence in furtherance of its drug trafficking activities, including against those Mexican law enforcement officials who stood in its way.  This Office and our law enforcement partners will not stop working to see that those who lead violent drug trafficking organizations are met with the consequences of their actions. Mendez-Vargas will now face justice in an American courtroom.” 

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said: “The indictment against Jesus Mendez-Vargas, leader of La Familia Michoacana cartel is another example of the DEA’s determination to identify, target and eliminate drug traffickers poisoning our communities with fentanyl and methamphetamine. This removal demonstrates the New York Division’s relentless pursuit and unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:1

MENDEZ-VARGAS was a leader in La Familia Michoacana (“LFM”), a powerful, violent drug trafficking organization based in the state of Michoacan, in southwestern Mexico.  LFM controlled drug manufacturing and distribution within and around the state of Michoacan, as well as the port of Lazaro Cardenas, a key drug transshipment point.  LFM imported vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico. LFM leadership forbade the sale or use of methamphetamine in the areas under its control in Mexico, and instructed LFM members that its methamphetamine was solely for export to the U.S.  From approximately 2006 to 2011, MENDEZ-VARGAS was a leader of LFM, with primary responsibility for LFM’s drug trafficking activities.

LFM engaged in violence, including assault, murder, and kidnapping to support its narcotics trafficking activities.  LFM also used heavy weaponry, including military-grade weapons, assault weapons, and ammunition smuggled from the U.S. to Mexico by LFM’s associates for use by LFM.  On or about July 14, 2009, approximately two days after the arrest of a high-level LFM leader, the bodies of 12 Mexican federal police officers believed to have been murdered were discovered in Michoacan.  Days later, another member of LFM contacted a local television station in Michoacan and, among other things, claimed that LFM was in a battle against the Mexican federal police and prosecutors, and that LFM kidnaps people who owed LFM money and those whose family members worked in state and federal governments.

MENDEZ-VARGAS, 51, of Mexico, is charged with conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S., which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s New York Field Division, as well as the assistance of the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Marshals Service.

This prosecution is part of an OCDETF operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.  The OCDETF New York Strike Force provides for the establishment of permanent, multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location.  This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.  The specific mission of the New York Strike Force is to target, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, reduce the illegal drug supply in the United States, and bring criminals to justice.

This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Jane Y. Chong, Sarah L. Kushner, Alexander N. Li, Daniel G. Nessim, David J. Robles, and Kyle A. Wirshba are in charge of the prosecution.

The charge contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

1 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander on President Trump’s Response on $80M FEMA Clawback Suit

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander issued the following statement about President Trump’s response to New York City’s lawsuit to recoup the $80.5 million of FEMA dollars allocated by Congress under the Shelter and Services Provision. 

“President Trump’s unhinged response misrepresents the law and, in line with his xenophobic MAGA playbook, erroneously lumps all immigrants into the same category as violent criminals. In this case, the only ones who broke the law were Donald Trump and his loser lackies—Elon Musk and Kristi Noem—when they lifted $80 million in Congressionally-approved FEMA funds from New York City’s bank account. That money, which the City already spent on necessary services, leaves a massive hole in our budget that will come at the cost of hard-working New Yorkers. 

“I will continue pushing the Law Department to fight like hell to recoup these funds seized illegally and stop Donald Trump from ever trying to rip off New York City again. Our lawyers cannot pull any punches—our City’s sovereignty and future financial security are at stake.” 

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Jermaine Hickson

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Jermaine Hickson, who died on November 10, 2022, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn. After a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage, interviews with involved officers and civilian witnesses, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ actions were justified under New York law.

On the evening of November 10, NYPD officers responded to an incident near the intersection of Neptune Avenue and West 36th Street in Brooklyn after receiving a ShotSpotter alert, a 911 call reporting a man with a gun, and a police radio call reporting shots fired. Six NYPD officers responded to the intersection in three separate vehicles. When the first marked patrol car arrived, Mr. Hickson fired a gun in the direction of officers as they attempted to get out of the vehicle. Officers from each of the responding police vehicles discharged their service weapons in response, striking Mr. Hickson. Mr. Hickson was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD recovered a gun at the scene.

Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, officers were responding to a report of a man with a gun and shots fired. When officers encountered Mr. Hickson, he fired at them. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Mr. Hickson was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.

Governor Hochul Announces Request for Proposals to Transform Underutilized Hell's Kitchen Site Near Intrepid Museum Into Vibrant Mixed-Use Development

50,584 Square Foot State-Owned Parcel Presents Unique Opportunity To Address Housing Needs and Enhance Neighborhood Vitality

Part of Governor Hochul’s Bold Vision To Address New York State’s Housing Crisis Through Executive Action – Including Initiative To Repurpose State-Owned Sites as Housing

Request for Proposals Available Here, Submission Deadline May 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a Request for Proposals for the redevelopment of 621 West 45th Street, a state-owned parcel in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. The site, currently utilized as a surface parking lot, spans approximately 50,584 square feet along the east blockfront of Twelfth Avenue between West 45th and West 46th Streets. This project presents an opportunity to transform one of the largest undeveloped parcels on Manhattan's far West Side into a vibrant hub of residential and mixed-use development, addressing the critical need for affordable housing in the area. Applicants can view the Request for Proposals document here and submit a proposal to Empire State Development by May 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

“The West Side of Manhattan has a storied history as a vibrant, inclusive community, and I’m committed to strengthening that legacy by building for a more affordable future,” Governor Hochul said. “By transforming this underutilized State-owned property into a dynamic mixed-use development with a significant affordable housing component, we’re taking aim at low housing supply in a high-demand area and building a stronger community for residents in Hell’s Kitchen and beyond.”

The parcel offers a unique opportunity to address New York's housing crisis through innovative redevelopment. Previously used as a surface parking lot supporting the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the site occupies a prominent location in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, adjacent to the Hudson River waterfront. With its proximity to Hudson River Park, transportation hubs and vibrant local amenities, the redevelopment of this underutilized parcel will serve as a cornerstone for inclusive growth, delivering much-needed affordable housing, fostering mixed-use development, and enhancing the quality of life for current and future residents.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) outlines key development objectives designed to maximize the site's potential and ensure a transformative impact on the community. These include:

• A minimum of 25 percent on-site affordable housing units, contributing to inclusive and accessible living opportunities in the neighborhood
• A mix of residential and commercial spaces that reflect the area's needs and character, providing amenities and services to support residents and enliven the streetscape
• Incorporation of community spaces to foster a sense of belonging and social interaction among residents and visitors
• Preservation of the Intrepid Museum's parking and pedestrian bridge access rights, ensuring seamless integration with existing cultural and recreational assets
• Building form and facades designed to create a vibrant and varied streetscape, enhancing the visual appeal and walkability of the neighborhood

These efforts build upon the Governor’s FY23 five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes — including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations — and electrifying an additional 50,000 units. To date, more than 55,000 homes have been created or preserved under this initiative. The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program, making Pro Housing Certification a prerequisite for municipalities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Currently, 275 communities have been certified, including New York City — reflecting a growing statewide commitment to addressing New York’s critical housing needs.

 

DEC Announces 2025 'I BIRD NY' Challenge

 

Program Encourages New Yorkers to Enjoy Birding Close to Home and on NYS Birding Trail

DEC Announces Addition of 14 Locations to NYS Birding Trail

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the March 1 start of the 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities. The challenge provides opportunities to identify and learn about birds, and awards program finishers with a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and a chance to win birding-related prizes.

“No matter where you live or where you come from, birdwatching is a fun, easy, and affordable activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “Now with nearly 400 locations across New York State, the NYS Birding Trail welcomes new and experienced birders to enjoy both migrating and resident birds in a diverse variety of habitats.”

New York State's wide-ranging habitat types, from the Atlantic Ocean's sandy beaches to majestic Catskill and Adirondack peaks, Great Lakes shorelines, and everything in between, create a birder's paradise that supports more than 450 different bird species throughout the year.  

New and experienced birders can discover the thrill of birding with the NYS Birding Trail. This unique network of birding hotspots across New York State offers endless opportunities to connect with nature, whether marveling at owls in quiet woodlands, tracking shorebirds along scenic coastlines, or catching glimpses of majestic eagles along quiet rivers. The trail continues to expand with new locations added regularly through a nomination and vetting process.

DEC also announced the addition of 14 new locations to the NYS Birding Trail. The new locations include Rye Nature Center in the Hudson Valley Birding Trail Region and 13 Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museums properties in the Long Island Birding Trail Region.  

Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. According to the 2022 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 7.4 million wildlife watchers generated $10.8 billion in New York State in 2022. This is up from four million New York resident wildlife viewers spending more than $6.4 billion annually in 2016. 

The I BIRD NY program was launched in 2017 to build on the State's efforts to increase access to New York's vast natural resources and promote no- and low-cost opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with nature.

“North Shore Audubon Society enthusiastically welcomes the Nassau County addition of its excellent public preserves and parks to NY State Birding Trail,” said Peggy Maslow, North Shore Audubon Society.

“Birds are awesome!” said Maisie (11) and Sam (15), members of the WNY Young Birder Club.

The 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge is open to all ages and ends Nov. 1, 2025. To complete the Challenge, participants must identify any 10 bird species of their choosing and submit a challenge sheet to DEC. More than 1,800 birding enthusiasts completed this fun challenge in 2024, the program’s highest-ever number of participants. 

Challenge sheets may be submitted online via Survey Monkey or sent via email or mail. Entries must be received by Nov. 15, 2025. Entry forms are also available in Spanish. All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes. Two youth and two adult winners will be chosen. Participants will also receive an extra prize entry for providing a photo documenting their challenge experience.  

Birding enthusiasts can visit I BIRD NY to access this year's challenge sheet, as well as find information on where and how to watch birds, upcoming birding events, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (also available in Spanish), and additional resources. Those interested may also opt to sign up for DEC’s monthly birding newsletter, Words of a Feather, to have birding tips and tricks, NYS Birding Trail site recommendations, events, and more delivered right to their inbox.  

DEC also reminds the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is currently widespread in wild birds and mammals. The public can help minimize risk and the spread of disease by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds. The public is encouraged to report sick or deceased wildlife here. In cases where field staff may be unavailable to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape and removal is necessary, use proper personal protective equipment, including disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or fluids by using a shovel to transfer it to a tripled garbage or contractor bag, which should be placed in an outdoor trash receptacle. More information about HPAI, including how it is spread and which animals can be infected, is available on DEC’s Animal Diseases webpage. 

As always, participants are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands all year by practicing Leave No Trace^TM principles and by recreating safely and sustainably.

Minneapolis Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

 

Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan was arrested yesterday and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, in December 2024, Hassan attempted to travel from Minnesota to Somalia to join ISIS on two occasions, neither of which were successful. Hassan attempted to disguise the purpose of his travel as visiting family despite having none in Somalia and was traveling with his birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and high school diploma. The FBI’s investigation established that Hassan publicly supported ISIS on social media through multiple posts and communicated with a Facebook account for the Manjaniq Media Center, which encouraged individuals to travel to join ISIS and touts itself as a media organization of the Islamic Caliphate. The investigation further revealed that Hassan praised Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the perpetrator of the ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Jan. 1. On Feb. 21, Hassan also posted a video of himself driving while holding a small ISIS flag inside the vehicle, as well as another video of himself driving with an open knife on his lap. On Feb. 26, FBI observed Hassan driving while again holding the ISIS flag.

Hassan was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. He made his initial appearance in the District of Minnesota today and was ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing which will take place at a later date.

The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Minneapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorneys Ryan White and Charles Kovats Jr. of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

New Permits Filed for 656 St Ann’s Avenue in Woodstock, The Bronx

 

New permits have been filed for a nine-story residential building at 656 St Ann’s Avenue in Woodstock, The Bronx. Located between East 156th Street and Westchester Avenue, the lot is near the Jackson Avenue subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Sarbjit Singh of SGNR Enterprises LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications, whose previous permits called for a seven-story building with 24 units.

The proposed 90-foot-tall development will yield 22,036 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 34 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 648 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have 12 open parking spaces.

Saleh and Associates is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

VCJC News & Notes 2/28/25

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders

1. Shabbos
   
   
   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 2/28/2025 @ 5:28 pm
   Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely. 
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 3/1/2025 @ 6:32 pm

   If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.
   

2. Purim Schedule of Services
   Thursday, March 13 – FAST OF ESTHER
   Fast begins 5:58 AM, Fast Ends 7: 45PM
   
   
   The evening of the 13th, EREV PURIM
   Mincha is 6:40 pm followed by Maariv 7:10 approx.
   Immediately followed by the Megillah reading 7:35
   We will have  a light meal afterward to help break the fast
   
   
   Friday Morning, March 14 – PURIM
   Morning services will be combined with KCR, Rabbi Lowenthal’s shul
   Address: 3220 Arlington Avenue
   If you need transportation please contact the office 718-884-6105
   Shacharit is 8:00 am followed immediately by Megillah reading

3. Save the Date - Blood Drive
   The blood drive has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 23, 9:30 to 2:00PM

Our mailing address is:

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

3880 Sedgwick Ave

Bronx, NY 10463