D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment of Trio in Murder of Innocent Bystander Who Was In Town For Birth of Grandchild

 

Reda Girgis, Visiting from Egypt, was Killed Outside of Washington Heights Deli

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JONADEL LAKARD, 23, KELWIN SANCHEZ, 19, and RAHEAM STEED, 22, for the drive-by shooting and murder of 66-year-old Reda Girgis in front of a deli in Washington Heights. The defendants are all charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Murder in the Second Degree. SANCHEZ is charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree; LAKARD and STEED are each charged with three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.[1]

“As alleged, the defendants participated in a retaliatory shooting, killing an innocent bystander,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Mr. Girgis, a soon-to-be grandfather excited to share in a joyous time with his family, was taken away from them far too soon. The defendants also posed a significant threat to others in the community when, without any regard for innocent bystanders, they allegedly sprayed bullets out of a moving vehicle. Our office will pursue accountability against those who use guns to terrorize our streets.”

According to court documents and statements made on the record, Mr. Girgis, who lived in Egypt, was in New York City visiting his son and daughter-in-law, who were expecting a child. On May 23, 2023, at approximately 7:00 p.m., LAKARD, SANCHEZ, STEED and another individual drove by a deli near West 162nd Street and Broadway. A couple minutes later, they drove past the deli again and fired shots from the passenger side towards several young men whom they considered to be rivals. Mr. Girgis, who was standing close by, was shot in the head and immediately collapsed to the ground as others ran for safety. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The defendants fled the scene in their vehicle. On June 7, 2023, search warrants were executed by members of the New York City Police Department on STEED’s and LAKARD’s apartments. Officers recovered a firearm from LAKARD’s apartment and clothing he appeared to be wearing at the shooting. Officers also recovered firearms from STEED’s apartment. SANCHEZ was arrested outside of his home wearing what appeared to be the same clothes from the shooting.

Assistant D.A.s Tricia Phillips (Deputy Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 80) and Jeannie Campbell-Urban (Human Trafficking Unit) are handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Samuel David (Chief of Trial Bureau 80) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). They were assisted by Alexandra Schwartz (Trial Preparatory Assistant), Matthew Ballou (Investigative Analyst) and Jonah Altman (Summer College Intern).

D.A. Bragg thanked NYPD Police Officers from the 33rd Precinct, Detectives from the 33rd Detective Squad, Homicide Squad, Manhattan North Homicide and Enhancement Team, and Warrant Squad, and members of the Joint Task Force.

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

POLICE COMMISSIONER CABAN APPOINTS REBECCA WEINER AS NYPD DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM

 

Weiner Becomes First Woman to Hold Position in NYPD’s 178-Year History

Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban today announced the appointment of Rebecca Ulam Weiner as Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism for the New York City Police Department. Weiner is the first woman to serve in this capacity in the police department’s 178-year history.

A 17-year veteran of the NYPD, Deputy Commissioner Weiner has overseen investigative, analytical, operational, and engagement efforts across the domains of counterterrorism, counterintelligence, criminal intelligence, violence mitigation, infrastructure and event protection, and geopolitical.

“It gives me great comfort to know that Deputy Commissioner Weiner will lead the NYPD’s singular intelligence and counterterrorism team,” said Police Commissioner Caban. “Her entire career has prepared her for this moment, and New York City is fortunate to have her. I am certain she will be relentless in the nonstop work of protecting all New Yorkers.”

“Police Commissioner Caban and I are honored to announce the appointment of Rebecca Ulam Weiner as the NYPD’s new Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism—the first woman in NYPD history to serve in this role,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Deputy Commissioner Weiner has an impressive resume covering nearly every civilian title in her field, and New York City is fortunate to have someone of this caliber and experience looking out for our safety. Protecting our nation’s security is also in Deputy Commissioner Weiner’s blood. Her family was on one of the last boats out of Poland before the Nazis invaded, after which her grandfather immigrated to the United States and faithfully served this country as a mathematician on the Manhattan Project. Today, she is following in her grandfather’s legacy and protecting our city and our nation’s security – this is the American Dream. Deputy Commissioner Weiner is a true-blue New Yorker who has taken on the job of protecting our city and our nation. I look forward to working with her, Commissioner Caban, and everyone else at the NYPD as we continue to keep our city the safest big city in America."

About Deputy Commissioner Weiner

Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Ulam Weiner began her career with the NYPD in 2006, overseeing the department’s Counterterrorism Operations and Analysis Section, and developing an internationally recognized intelligence and threat-analysis program. She also served as the first representative of local law enforcement on the Director of National Intelligence's National Intelligence Council, where she focused on transnational crime and terrorism. Weiner also previously served as legal counsel to the NYPD Intelligence Bureau's Intelligence Analysis Unit and as team leader for the Middle East and North Africa, overseeing intelligence collection and analysis related to threats associated with those regions.

Most recently, Weiner became the civilian executive in charge of the NYPD’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau. There, she oversaw investigative, analytical, operational, and engagement efforts across the domains of counterterrorism, counterintelligence, criminal intelligence, violence mitigation, infrastructure and event protection, and geopolitical risk. She developed policies and strategic priorities for the Intelligence & Counterterrorism Bureau and publicly represented the NYPD in matters involving counterterrorism and intelligence.

Before joining the NYPD in 2006, Deputy Commissioner Weiner was an international security fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs; a biotechnology consultant at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; and a science & technology research associate at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Weiner graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in History & Literature, and she graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 2005 with a Juris Doctorate. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia’s School for International and Public Affairs and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She was admitted to the Bar of the State of New York in 2006.

Statement of Comptroller Brad Lander on City’s Plan to Limit Shelter Stays to 60 Days

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement in response to the Mayor’s plan to impose a 60-day limit on adult shelter stays:

“The Mayor’s announcement today doesn’t just undermine the right-to-shelter, but the defining role of New York as a beacon of promise, inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

“Right to Shelter is the reason that New York City has fewer people sleeping on our streets every night than other major U.S. cities. Limiting the length of shelter stays for asylum seekers will put more people on the streets and strain other city services including hospitals and sanitation.

“Rather than seeking permission to gut the right to shelter, the City should ask the Court instead to clarify that this right, grounded in the New York State Constitution, applies to all municipalities and counties across the state. That’s the fastest way to increase shelter capacity and secure more support from Albany without turning our back on who we are.”

Governor Hochul Announces Creation of the New York State Council on Community Justice to Further Improve Effectiveness and Fairness of the State's Criminal Justice System

 

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado Convene Advisory Council to Review Existing State Policies and Programs and Propose New Measures to Strengthen State's Efforts to Advance Equity, Reduce Disparities, and Decrease Recidivism to Make Communities Safer and Stronger

Council Includes Local and State Criminal Justice Practitioners, Leaders from Community-Based Organizations, and Professionals in Higher Education

Governor Hochul Also Issues Proclamation Designating July 16 Through July 22 as Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week in New York State to Recognize the Important Work of These Professionals

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the creation of the New York State Council on Community Justice, an advisory group of state and local stakeholders that will recommend measures to further improve the effectiveness and fairness of the state's criminal justice system. Convened by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado, the Council will review existing State policies and programs and propose new measures to strengthen the State's efforts to advance equity, reduce disparities, and decrease recidivism to make communities safer and stronger. The council includes local and state criminal justice practitioners, professionals from community-based organizations, and leaders in higher education.

"This advisory council will help identify issues within our criminal justice system and recommend solutions with the goal of ensuring that programs and services are evidence-based, effective and provide justice-involved individuals with the help they need to thrive," Governor Hochul said. "I commend these professionals for stepping up to serve their community and look forward to working with them."

"This is the work of making our communities stronger, fairer, and safer," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "This is the work of making our communities whole. I am honored to chair this council, as we work to develop strategies, policies, and practices that will set our justice system on the right path for generations to come."

Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation designating July 16 through 22 as Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week in New York State to recognize the important work done by those professionals.

The Council met in New York City for the first time this afternoon and is expected to meet on a quarterly basis. Its members will work closely with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and state Commission of Correction, among other agencies. The Council will assess the state's work in prevention, diversion, corrections, and re-entry, and propose ways to modernize policies, programs and initiatives so they focus on rehabilitation and treatment, rather than incarceration, and better assist individuals released from prison so they can lead productive, crime-free lives. The goal is to further inform the state's work to keep New Yorkers safe and deliver an equitable justice system that works for all, particularly communities that have been historically and disproportionately harmed.

Governor Hochul has made public safety her number one priority, securing the most criminal justice system funding in a generation; and increasing investments to improve opportunities for young people and families and strengthen communities. The Council's work is another component of Governor Hochul's comprehensive plan to fight gun violence and violent crime, improve community safety and increase public trust in the criminal justice system.

While New York State has the lowest incarceration rate in the country when compared to other states with more than 10 million residents, racial disparities in its criminal justice system persist. From 2016 through 2020, people of color comprised 33 to 34 percent of New York's adult population but represented between 66 to 71 percent of all felony prison sentences. The Council will consider the ways in which the state can foster opportunities and remove obstacles to health and mental health care; employment; housing; and social services and supports, for example, and propose new measures and/or changes that both improve public safety and the effectiveness and equity of the justice system.

The Council aims to build upon the work of the state's Council on Community Re-Entry and Reintegration, which helped remove barriers individuals face when returning home after serving prison sentences. Chaired by Commissioner Rosado since before she entered state service, that Council focused on removing barriers faced by the approximately 25,000 individuals annually returning to their communities after serving prison sentences. Its work helped lay the groundwork for restoring the right to vote for people on parole; removing outright bans on occupational licenses; implementing fair-chance hiring at state agencies; and prohibiting discrimination at state-financed housing based solely on an individual's criminal record, among other initiatives.

In addition to Lieutenant Governor Delgado, Commissioner Rosado, and Acting Commissioner Martuscello, the following state officials will serve on the Council on Community Justice: Allen Riley, Chair of the state Commission of Correction; Darryl Towns, Chair of the state Board of Parole; Jamie Frank, SUNY Associate Vice Chancellor for Policy Implementation; Joseph Zayas, state Office of Court Administration Chief Administrative Judge; Karol Mason, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice; and Marcos Soler, Governor's Deputy Secretary for Public Safety. Leaders from the following agencies and community organizations round out the council's membership: Bard Prison Initiative, Bronx District Attorney's Office, Center for Community Alternatives, Center for Employment Opportunities, Center for Justice Innovation, Columbia Justice Lab, Common Justice, The Doe Fund, Erie County District Attorney's Office, Fortune Society, Hour Children, Hudson Link, Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform, LEAD National Support Bureau, Legal Action Center, The Legal Aid Society, New York State Defenders Association, Osborne Association, REFORM Alliance, Vera Institute of Justice, and Women's Prison Association.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is a multi-function criminal justice support agency with a variety of responsibilities, including law enforcement training; collection and analysis of statewide crime data; maintenance of criminal history information and fingerprint files; administrative oversight of the state's DNA databank, in partnership with the New York State Police; funding and oversight of probation and community correction programs; administration of federal and state criminal justice funds; support of criminal justice-related agencies across the state; and administration of the State's Sex Offender Registry. Follow the agency on Facebook and Twitter.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) is responsible for the care, custody, and treatment of individuals sentenced to state prison, working with these incarcerated individuals to ensure successful re-entry into the community and supervising those who are placed on parole. That's our Department's mission and it's the guide we follow to carry out the very serious responsibility entrusted to us. Follow DOCCS on Facebook and Twitter.

Housing Lottery Launches For 360 East 184th Street In Fordham Heights, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 360 East 184th Street, a four-story mixed-use building in Fordham Heights, The Bronx. Designed by Node Architecture Engineering Consulting, the structure yields 12 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are four units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $74,400 to $198,250.

Amenities include bike storage lockers and package lockers. Residences come with air conditioning, intercoms, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there is one studio with a monthly rent of $2,170 for incomes ranging from $74,400 to $146,900; two one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,195 for incomes ranging from $75,258 to $165,230; and one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,450 for incomes ranging from $84,000 to $198,250.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 8, 2023.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW RADIO SHOW “HEAR FROM THE MAYOR” ON WBLS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a new radio show, “Hear from the Mayor” on WBLS 107.5 FM. Episodes will air semi-regularly and feature news of the day, special guests who are moving the city forward, and live call-ins from New Yorkers who want to discuss the issues they care about. New Yorkers can listen to episodes by tuning into 107.5 FM for the live broadcast or by visiting WBLS online to find the latest episodes. The first show will air this Sunday, July 23, at 10:30 AM.

“Every day, we are ‘Getting Stuff Done’ for working class New Yorkers, but so many working class New Yorkers are also doing so many wonderful things to move our city forward; this program will highlight all that and more as we hear directly from New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “Tune in or give me a call, and hear directly from your mayor on what we are doing to build a better New York City.”

“Radio has always been a two-way medium, and with listeners accustomed to providing their opinions across a myriad of issues, having Mayor Adams on WBLS is the perfect way to allow the community to engage with him directly,” said Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay, chief executive officer, MediaCo.

Listeners who want to call-in for the show can dial in at 212-545-1075. Shows will air on a semi-regular basis.

New Yorkers can also hear from Mayor Adams through “Hear From Eric,” where they can learn about new initiatives and policies, local events, and more. Mayor Adams additionally launched the “Get Stuff Done-Cast” to highlight the amazing things New Yorkers from all walks of life are doing to push New York City forward every day. And the mayor has launched his second series of community town halls, where he is to talking directly to thousands of New Yorkers about the issues affecting them day in and day out.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

When are you going to stop hiding from the media Mayor Adams? These so called hear from the mayor are not enough. Make yourself available to the media like your predecessor Mayor Bill de Blasio did, and stop hiding from the media Mayor Eric Adams?

Governor Hochul Announces $29 Million for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and Rebates

 

New York State Reaches Milestone of 150,000 Passenger Electric Vehicles on the Road

Supports Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 85 Percent by 2050 and New York State’s Requirement for All New Passenger Vehicles Sold in New York State to be Zero Emission by 2035

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $29 million for electric vehicle Level 2 charging infrastructure under Charge Ready NY 2.0 and consumer rebates through the Drive Clean Rebate Program. The incentive and rebate programs mean more New Yorkers can drive electric as New York State reached a milestone of 150,000 EVs on the road in June 2023. This announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and New York State’s requirement that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the state be zero emission by 2035.   

“New York’s climate and clean transportation leadership is reducing air pollution and emissions through solution-based investments in charging infrastructure and rebates," Governor Hochul said. "Providing cleaner air in communities that face high vehicle traffic, particularly those that are historically marginalized, is an essential step to improving the state’s quality of life while building a more sustainable future for residents, workers and visitors alike.”   

With today’s announcement, $15 million was added to Charge Ready NY 2.0, to support EV charger installation at workplaces and multifamily buildings statewide, as well as public facilities located in disadvantaged communities. This program can help eligible entities save up to 50 percent on installation costs for Level 2 chargers, which are ideal for locations where a car will be parked for a few hours and can provide up to 25 miles of electric range for each hour charged. The program has $12 million available for charging station installation at workplaces and multifamily buildings with an incentive of $2,000 per port, and $2,500 per port in a disadvantaged community. Publicly owned facilities in a disadvantaged community are eligible for $4,000 per port. Additionally, $3 million is dedicated for workplaces and multifamily buildings that hold educational “ride and drive” community events, purchase electric fleet vehicles, or offer free charging. The Charge Ready 2.0 program also continues to accept new equipment and network eligibility applications from EV charger vendors until program funds are exhausted. 

To support consumers seeking cleaner driving options, $14 million has also been added to the State’s Drive Clean Rebate to help reduce upfront costs on the purchase or lease of a new EV. The point-of-sale rebate ranges from $500 to $2,000 on one of more than 60 models currently eligible through a participating car dealership in New York State. 

Charge Ready NY 2.0 and the Drive Clean Rebate are administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and are funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the State’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund. More information is available on NYSERDA’s website. 

New York State's $1 billion investment in electrifying its transportation sector is vital to meet the State's sweeping climate and clean energy plan. Reducing carbon emissions and pollution from vehicles creates cleaner air and healthier communities, particularly in underserved areas. A range of initiatives grow access to electric vehicles and improve clean transit for all New Yorkers including EV Make Ready, EVolve NY, the Drive Clean Rebate, the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program and federal funding under the NEVI Program. 

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan 

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with nearly 400 registered and 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change. 

PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE ADMINISTRATION'S NEW 60-DAY SHELTER RULE FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS

 

"The right to shelter has been in place for over 30 years, and that right does not simply expire after 60 days in the face of a crisis. While the challenges of meeting this emergency are immense, so too is our obligation to do all we can for the tired, the poor, the huddled masses. We should be focused on helping create opportunities for people who come here seeking asylum, not preemptively deny that our city is home to opportunity itself. The solutions to this crisis are now in Albany and Washington, DC -- not in restricting or rescinding the rights of our newest New Yorkers in need."