MAYOR ERIC ADAMS MAKES A STATEMENT WITH THE LEWIN FAMILY

 

Mayor Eric Adams: Just think about this for a moment. And what the family said while we spoke just really resonated with me. Young Kade. Whose child is next? Whose child is next? These could have been Jordan sneakers, my son. Whose child is next? This story just strikes at the heart of the trauma in our city and in our country. This amazing young girl was just taking care of her young family members, treating them to food, just having them out enjoying the day, the night, pulled over just to watch a movie and to eat the food. In that instant, lost them, lost Kade. Whose child is next? And when you understand the realness of this, you understand the urgency. And so when I move with the urgency and people are telling me to slow down, what the hell is wrong with you? Whose child is next? And the overwhelming number of the victims are black and brown.

 

Overwhelming. We can replace the name of Kade with so many other names. Promising young people snatched away from us, snatched away from us. Promising young people snatched away from us for no other reason, too many guns on our streets, too many people who are willing to use those guns to harm innocent people. So all the talk about those who are shooting, what about the innocent people? What about them? Do they matter? Do they matter? I say they matter.

 

And it's time for us to move with a level of urgency to deal with this violence that we are witnessing in our city. It's a painful moment. Jenna's mom laid out this young girl's promising life. Graduating, going to college, two jobs. She stated that I want to show her the love and bought her a car so that she can enjoy her family members together. All she thought about were the children. That's all she thought about. Now she sits in the hospital blaming herself because of the violence of someone. The entire country should listen to the narrative of this family. Immigrants coming here to this country, looking for a better way of life, not for someone to take their life.

 

You'll never get over this moment. This is their neighborhood. This is their community. Right down the block from where the shooting took place is where the mom was there doing hair. Watching that baby in the car. We're so sorry. Words cannot take away what you are going through. But you're representative of the best that this city and country has to offer and your children represented that. And those who took their lives will be found. The police commissioner and I, we are committing to finding them. But it's time this entire city stand with families like these because there's only one question we have to answer if we don't get this right. Whose child is next?

 

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Police Department: Good morning. The pall of violence across this city must be lifted. Your NYPD is doing everything it can and knows how to do well to deter and prevent and apprehend those responsible but we need your help. Kade's mother needs your help. Jenna's mother needs your help. Murders, shootings, robberies, assaults, go against everything we should believe ourselves to be. If you have any information that can help us apprehend those responsible for the killing of a 12 year old and the seriously injuring of a 19 year old sitting in a car eating, I ask you to please call (800) 577-TIPS.

 

Para español, llame (800) 57-PISTA

These families need your help. Please call. Thank you.

 

Mayor Adams: And we need also, we're putting out a call to help this family during this time with the mounting cost of burying Kade, the medical costs of young Jenna that's still in the hospital with six bullets. Six bullets in that baby girl. Six bullets in that baby girl. This baby girl here, this baby girl. So we're asking people to help us during this difficult time. I would personally contribute, but we want contributions to go to the lisadozierfuneralservice.com, lisadozierfuneralservice.com to raise the money that's needed, this family being hit with this real crisis.

 

I want to thank AT Mitchell. For his crisis management team, Man Up, for the work they're doing to deal with this real issue that we are facing of trying to get these guns off our street. Brother, I appreciate you for being here and the other crisis management teams that are here as well. But we are asking people to help this family during this difficult time. We want to have the mother come forward and the aunt. We're really asking you to bear with them. This tragedy is so fresh.

 

But they do want to speak to the city and it's a very difficult thing to do so bear with them. We're asking you after they speak to give them a sense of privacy so they can grieve. This is so hard to lose a child. Mothers should not be burying their children. And so they wanted to come out and just share with the city their feelings and we're just asking after to give them the privacy that they need.

Bronx Fashion Week - SATURDAY MAY 7, 2022 - WE'RE BACK.

 

Bronx Fashion Week Returns to the Mall at Bay Plaza

Bronx Fashion Week is already shaping up to be one of the most amazing fashion experiences at The New Mall at Bay Plaza surrounded by over 100 retailers from The Bronx. The mall has over 25 million visitors per year and is considered the most Spectacular Fashion Destination.

Designers include: Callejas Atelier, Yo Soy Mia, Mia Roman, Boulevard Menswear, Daysi Collection, Macy's, Forever 21, Ashley Stewart.

Saturday, May 7, 2022 -- Show Time: 3:00pm

$90 Million Yacht of Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Viktor Vekselberg Seized by Spain at Request of United States

 

Action Took Place Today in Palma de Mallorca

 Spanish law enforcement today executed a Spanish court order freezing the Motor Yacht (M/Y) Tango (the Tango), a 255-foot luxury yacht owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. Spanish authorities acted pursuant to a request from the U.S. Department of Justice for assistance following the issuance of a seizure warrant, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which alleged that the Tango was subject to forfeiture based on violation of U.S. bank fraud, money laundering, and sanction statutes.

According to documents filed in this case, the U.S. investigation alleges that Vekselberg bought the Tango in 2011 and has owned it continuously since that time. It further alleges that Vekselberg used shell companies to obfuscate his interest in the Tango to avoid bank oversight into U.S. dollar transactions related thereto. Additionally, after Vekselberg was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department on April 6, 2018, the warrant alleges that Vekselberg and those working on his behalf continued to make U.S. dollar payments through U.S. banks for the support and maintenance of the Tango and its owners, including a payment for a December 2020 stay at a luxury water villa resort in the Maldives and mooring fees for the yacht. Vekselberg had an interest in these payments and therefore a license was required from the Treasury Department, which was not obtained.

“Today marks our taskforce’s first seizure of an asset belonging to a sanctioned individual with close ties to the Russian regime. It will not be the last.” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Together, with our international partners, we will do everything possible to hold accountable any individual whose criminal acts enable the Russian government to continue its unjust war.”

“Today’s action makes clear that corrupt Russian oligarchs cannot evade sanctions to live a life of luxury as innocent Ukrainians are suffering,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Today the Department of Justice delivers on our commitment to hold accountable those whose criminal activity strengthens the Russian government as it continues to wage its unjust war in Ukraine. That commitment is one we are not finished honoring.”

“Today we announce another example of the FBI using our worldwide presence and partnerships, as well as our expertise and experience to track and seize illicit money and assets, to counter threats to our safety and national security,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We will continue to use every lawful tool to go after designated Russian oligarchs' assets – however and wherever they hide them.”

The seizure was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions, and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with its allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2 and run out of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will leverage all the Department’s tools and authorities against efforts to evade or undermine the economic actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

"The seizure of this luxury yacht demonstrates our determination to hold accountable those who support Vladimir Putin’s unwarranted invasion of another sovereign nation,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves of the District of Columbia.  “We will continue to use every tool to enforce the sanctions aimed at Putin’s regime and the oligarchs who support it.  Working with our federal and international partners, we will be unflagging in our efforts to bring to justice those who violate these sanctions, and to seize assets where appropriate and lawful.”

“Today’s seizure of Viktor Vekselberg’s yacht, the Tango, in Spain is the result of an unprecedented multinational effort to enforce U.S. sanctions targeting those elites who have enabled Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine,” said Director Andrew Adams of Task Force KleptoCapture. “For those who have tied their fortunes to a brutal and lawless regime, today’s action is a message that those nations dedicated to the rule of law are equally dedicated to separating the oligarchs from their tainted luxuries. This seizure is only the beginning of the Task Force’s work in this global effort to punish those who have and continue to support tyranny for financial gain.”

“The FBI will continue to work with its partners to protect the integrity of the banking system and support the enforcement of sanctions programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael F. Paul of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office. “FBI agents and analysts, regardless of where they are assigned around the world, will work tirelessly to ensure those who attempt to evade sanctions are held accountable.”

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine was an unprovoked act of aggression that has targeted the lives and well-being of millions of people and threatened international security,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York.  “For decades, the Putin regime has been supported by a group of Russian oligarchs that abused their power for private gain to amass untold riches. As DHS’s investigative arm, HSI stands at the forefront of combatting global networks that seek to violate U.S. law and exploit our nation’s financial systems.  Working with our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI, we will hold Putin’s oligarchs accountable and deny them the lavish lifestyles they cherish.”

Upon receipt of a request from the United States pursuant to a bi-lateral treaty for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, the Spanish central authority for mutual legal assistance forwarded the request to a Spanish prosecutor, who obtained a freezing order from a Spanish court. The order was executed by Spain’s Guardia Civil, Spanish National Police, today, April 4.

The Tango, International Maritime Organization number 1010703, is believed to be worth approximately $90 million or more. The yacht is now in Palma de Mallorca.

The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.

Separately, seizure warrants obtained in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia target approximately $625,000 associated with sanctioned parties held at nine U.S. financial institutions. Those seizures are based on sanctions violations by several Russian specially designated nationals.

The matter of the Tango is being investigated by the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office with assistance from the HSI New York Field Office. In announcing that forfeiture action, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Paul, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Patel commended the work of those who investigated the case from FBI and HSI.

ALLEGED GANG MEMBER INDICTED ON WEAPONS CHARGES FOR POSSESSING “GHOST GUN” AND AMMUNITION

 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on weapons charges after NYPD Officers arrested him for allegedly possessing a loaded “ghost gun.”

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, an alleged Bloods gang member, was arrested by NYPD Officers of the Neighborhood Safety Team for allegedly possessing a pistol, which was a “ghost gun,” and ammunition. With this arrest we have one less weapon on our streets.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, David Echevarria, 20, last of Bronx Park East, was arraigned today on second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, two counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of Ammunition before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Albert Lorenzo. Bail was continued at $100,000 cash/100,000 bond/$100,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent. The defendant is due back in court on April 25, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on March 14, 2022 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the defendant was standing near Pugsley Avenue and Haviland Avenue with other individuals. NYPD Officers of the 43rd Precinct Neighborhood Safety Team, who were on patrol, arrested the defendant for allegedly possessing a 9mm pistol. The firearm was a “ghost gun”—untraceable because it is made of components with no serial number or markings from a manufacturer. It had seven rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. 

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Officers Kenny Acosta, Brian Estevez, Issael Beato, and Alejandro Ochoa of the 43rd Precinct Neighborhood Safety Team for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of New Ads Featuring Pediatricians Encouraging Parents to Get Their Children Vaccinated

 

English and Spanish Language Ads Will Run Featuring Pediatricians Who Are Also Parents to Encouraging Other Parents to Vaccinate Their Children Against COVID-19

Part of #VaxForKids Initiative to Help Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Among Eligible Children in New York, Nearly 500 Vaccine Pop-Ups Deployed Across State Thus Far

 In New York State 72.6% of Adolescents (12 – 17 Years Old) are Fully Vaccinated, 36% of Children (5 – 11 Years Old) are Fully Vaccinated

Recent Research Shows Fully Vaccinated Children (5 - 17 Years Old) Protected from COVID-Related Hospitalization by at Least 65%

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of new media ads to boost vaccination rates among children in New York State. The media rollout is just the latest component of the New York State Department of Health’s #VaxForKids initiative, furthering the administration's commitment to making the health and well-being of children and families a top priority.  

“The COVID-19 vaccine is doctor-approved, and it is the single best tool to keep our children and families from getting seriously ill or hospitalized," Governor Hochul. "This new media campaign will help ensure parents are hearing directly from pediatricians and trusted health care providers, so they know just how critical it is to get their children vaccinated. Parents and guardians, if you haven't already, please talk to your child's pediatrician about getting the vaccine, and the booster dose once they are eligible." 

New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “This new media campaign further supports our #VaxForKids campaign by helping parents and guardians learn more about the importance of getting our kids vaccinated from their most trusted source, pediatricians. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and will help protect eligible children and adolescents ages 5 – 17 from severe illness and hospitalization.” 

 The new campaign features local pediatricians from throughout New York State who join Governor Hochul and the State’s Department of Health in urging parents and guardians to get eligible children fully vaccinated and to ensure they stay up to date on all recommended doses. The doctors speak to the real risks the virus poses for children, particularly if they are unvaccinated. The campaign includes 30-second and 60-second versions of the television commercials in both English and Spanish. The spots will begin airing Monday, April 4 and run for several weeks.  

The State has recently launched a series of initiatives to increase vaccination and booster rates among eligible children and adolescents. To date, over 261 pop-up sites have been established through the State’s #VaxForKids program, following over 235 sites established through the #VaxToSchool campaign.

Based on data provided by the CDC, 42.3% of children 5 – 11 and 82.5% of adolescents 12 – 17 have received at least one vaccine dose. 36% of children 5 – 11 and 72.6% of adolescents 12 – 17 are fully vaccinated. New York State continues to lead the nation in vaccinations. According to CDC data, New York State ranks two and one, respectively, for fully vaccinated 5 – 11-year-olds and fully vaccinated 12 – 17-year-olds among the top ten large states.

The latest vaccination demographics data are available here.

Children five and older are eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. As of Jan. 7, 2022, adolescents 12 and older are eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least five months after completing their initial vaccine series. Additionally, children 5 - 11 with certain immunocompromising conditions are eligible for an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least 28 days after completing their initial vaccine series.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free and widely available statewide, including at over 2,000 locations administering the vaccine for children. All state mass vaccination sites are administering the vaccine for children five years and older, boosters for New Yorkers 12 years and older, and additional doses for immunocompromised children five years and older. In addition to the state's pop-up and mass vaccination sites, New Yorkers can visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations.  

Parents and guardians can also contact their child's pediatrician, family physician, county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health centers, or pharmacies that may be administering the vaccine to this age group. Make sure that the provider offers the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.  

Parents and guardians are encouraged to make sure their child is up to date on all recommended and required vaccinations, including the flu vaccine. Please visit the Department of Health website for more information on recommended childhood and adolescent immunizations. Parents, and guardians are encouraged to visit ny.gov/VaxForKids for more information and resources about the COVID-19 vaccine and children.

Diana Reyna May Become the First Hispanic Lieutenant Governor

 WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Former NYC Councilman

Rev. Ruben Diaz

 You should know that Diana Reyna, is a Dominican woman, and a Democrat running for Lieutenant Governor of New York State.

 

It is also very important for you to know that the Honorable Diana Reyna, was a Member of the New York City Council serving more than eight (8) years, representing a Brooklyn District. Diana Reyna also served as the Vice Borough President for Brooklyn County, serving with Mayor Eric Adams, when he was Brooklyn’s Borough President.

 

You should Know that the Hispanic Community, never in New York’s history has held a statewide elected position. Hispanics have had people elected in local districts, for example, for Congress, State Senators, Assemblymen, Council members etc. But we have never had, one of our own, a member of the Hispanic Community seek statewide office, and be elected by the voters statewide. This would be a first.

 

All other communities such as the Jewish, Asian, Irish, African American, Italian, communities, etc. have had the opportunity to vote for one of their own on a Statewide level.  Diana Reyna’s candidacy provides the Hispanic Community with this opportunity to proudly cast a vote for one of their own. She could very well become the first Hispanic person; on this occasion, a Dominican woman, who is well qualified, prepared and trained with the necessary experience, while also making history in the process.

 

I am Puerto Rican and as such I am reaching out to all the Hispanic elected officials, and leaders, especially those of Dominican descent, like Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Ydanis Rodriguez, Guillermo Linares, Dr. Rafael Lantigua, and all the Hispanic Senators, Assembly and City Council Members, to join us on this occasion and support Diana Reyna in her candidacy and help her make history in becoming the first Latina Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York.

 

You should know that most of the Hispanic Elected Officials have run their political campaigns touting their Hispanic heritage, because they know that this would help get them the Hispanic vote. They have won their elected positions due to the fact they let it be known that they are Hispanic.   Some have motivated the Latino voters by using cliches well known in the Hispanic Community like "Puerto Ricans defend what’s yours" others have said "Dominicans Our Moment has Arrived" and others " Our Blood Weighs More Than Water."  

 

That's all good. However, to all of them, we say the time has come to not only show your Hispanic pride, when it conveniently benefits you personally.  The Hispanic leaders should come out in support of Diana Reyna and help her make History and thereby help the Hispanic Community have a statewide voice.  We will be very much aware of who takes the Hispanic Community seriously and who are the Dominicans “De Pura Sepa" (the real deal).

 

You should know that The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization and I as its president, have done our part and we have publicly offered our support and prayers in favor of Diana Reyna, an Experienced, well Qualified Latina for Lt. Governor of New York State.  

 

You should know that The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization and I as its president, have done our part and we have publicly offered our support and prayers in favor of Diana Reyna, an Experienced, well Qualified Latina for Lt. Governor of New York State.  

 

The ball is now in the hands of the Dominican leadership of this City.

 

I Am The Rev. Ruben Diaz and This Is What You Should Know.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW CAMPAIGN OF DIGITAL BILLBOARDS IN FIVE FLORIDA MARKETS DENNOUNCING ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ LAW AND INVITING FLORIDIANS TO MOVE TO NEW YORK

 

Billboards Will Deliver an Estimated 5 Million Impressions, Reaffirm Adams Administration’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Community and Preserving Free Speech

 

Creative Content for Campaign Donated by WPP Companies, VMLY&R, GroupM, BCW, H+K Strategies, and Kinetic

 

Donated Ad Space Secured by Kinetic

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the launch of digital billboards and creative ads denouncing the recent passage of “Don’t Say Gay” in five Florida cities. The campaign is a reaffirmation of Mayor Adams’ commitment and unconditional support for the LGBTQ+ community. The new legislation bans instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade — a targeted attack on the LGBTQ+ population. New York City’s response is to double down on its commitment to preserving the right to free speech and building a city that welcomes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. With this new creative campaign, New York City is making a direct call to Floridians who are under attack.

 

“I am the mayor of New York City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want,” said Mayor Adams. “Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is the latest shameful, extremist culture war targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we say to the families living in fear of this state-sponsored discrimination that you will always have a home in New York City.”

 

Creative content for the billboards was designed in partnership with WPP companies, VMLY&R, GroupM, BCW, and H+K Strategies. All of the donated ad space was secured by Kinetic, a GroupM company. In total, there will be five unique pieces of creative art that will run across digital billboards and social media.

 

“Educators work every day to make New York City public schools safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “From what we teach, to how we care for young people, we create schools that affirm and lift up the students and honor who they are. Children bring the totality of who they are into our classrooms, and the cruel actions being taken across this country to attack LGBTQ+ children is contrary to everything we believe in as educators.”

 

“LGBTQ+ youth deserve the same things that all young people deserve: to be seen, to be heard, and to be respected,” said Kevin Jennings, CEO, Lambda Legal; and founder, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. “Schools and curriculums that are inclusive of all young people and their families literally save lives. We’re here with a welcoming, loud, and proud message to let LGBTQ+ young people know they are not alone.”

 

“New York City stands firmly with LGBTQ+ youth across the country during these difficult times,” said Elisa Crespo, executive director, NEW Pride Agenda. “We are here for you, we see you, and we will always have your back and fight for you.”

 

“The New York City Anti-Violence Project stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community of Florida,” said Beverly Tillery, executive director, New York City Anti-Violence Project. “Attempting to silence and deny LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, the support they need is violence and can lead to poor mental health outcomes, interruptions in education, and youth homelessness. If you are an LGBTQ+ survivor of violence and need help, you can call or text our 24-hour, bilingual hotline for support and referrals: 212-714-1141.”

 

“Mayor Adams is making an excellent statement with these ads — in New York City, everyone is welcome,” said Daniel Dromm, LGBTQ+ activist; former chair, New York City Council Committee on Finance. “As a New York City public school teacher for 25 years, I have news for Florida: Students are already saying gay. They see us on the news and on television shows. They know that LGBTQ+ people are their family, friends, and neighbors. These ads will reaffirm New York City’s commitment to creating an inclusive school environment, in sharp contrast to the discriminatory policies of Governor DeSantis.”

 

“Over 40 percent of the 2,000 LGBTQ+ youths Ali Forney Center sees every year come from outside the Empire State, and a majority come to us from the south,” said Alex Roque, executive director, Ali Forney Center (AFC). “New York City has been a beacon of acceptance, hope, and love. AFC applauds the City of New York for supporting proudly, loudly, and visibly efforts to demonstrate for LGBTQ+ youths that they are welcome here to be who they are.”

 

The outdoor campaign and activation will be aimed and run in the following markets of Florida from April 4 through May 29, for a total of eight weeks — delivering an estimated 5 million impressions:

 

• Fort Lauderdale
• Jacksonville
• Orlando
• Tampa
• West Palm Beach

No COVID-19 Update From Governor Hochul Today Sunday April 3, 2022. The First Time Since the Data Was Being Reported

 

Starting Friday April1, 2022 the New York State COVID-19 Update press release will be issued Monday through Friday. Daily data will continue to be available at the New York State Department of Health's online COVID tracker: ny.gov/covid19data

This was no April Fool's Joke by Governor Hochul as the positive rate has been steadily increasing over the past two weeks from its lowest levels in a long time.