ASSEMBLY PASSES SWEEPING REFORMS TO PROTECT NEW YORKER'S FROM WORKPLACE HARASSMENT

ASSEMBLY PASSES SWEEPING REFORMS TO PROTECT NEW YORKER'S FROM WORKPLACE HARASSMENT

Speaker Carl Heastie, Labor Committee Chair Marcos Crespo, Governmental Operations Chair Michele Titus and Ethics and Guidance Committee Chair Aravella Simotas today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to increase protections against discriminatory harassment in the workplace (A.8421, Simotas). In 2018, the legislature enacted a number of measures to combat sexual harassment in the workplace, including mandating that all employers in New York State have a sexual harassment policy, employee training and a clear complaint and investigation process. Earlier this year, the legislature held hearings to receive testimony from victims, advocates and experts regarding sexual harassment in the workplace, which was used to craft today's legislation. "For too long, workplace harassment has burdened workers personally, financially and professionally," said Assemblymember Marcos Crespo. "Today's legislation provides comprehensive reforms to ensure employees from every sector have access to recourse. Many thanks to the brave men and women who courageously told their stories and helped us shape this critical legislation." Currently, New Yorkers are protected from sexual harassment under the federal Civil Rights Act and the state Human Rights Law, but that harassment must meet the high standard of being "severe or pervasive" to entitle its target to compensation. Today's legislation would lower that burdensome standard for any harassment that needs only to rise above the threshold of petty slights or trivial inconveniences to be considered unlawful. Under the bill, New York's Human Rights Law would be expanded to cover all employers in the state. Current law excludes employers with fewer than four employees, leaving small business workers without the protections they need. The measure would make it an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer, licensing agency, employment agency or labor organization to subject any individual to harassment because of their membership in one or more protected classes, or because they have opposed any practices prohibited under the Human Rights Law. The bill would also eliminate part of the Faragher/Ellerth defense, which allows employers to avoid liability for harassment because an employee failed to file a formal complaint or follow a particular reporting procedure. This change will protect workers who are unable to make complaints without facing the risk of retaliation. The legislation would provide a wide range of other protections and preventative measures. The bill would: Extend protections for non-employees in the workplace to all protected classes; Allow courts to award attorney's fees on all claims of employment discrimination, and allow for punitive damages in employment discrimination cases against private employers; Provide that the Human Rights Law is to be construed liberally for remedial purposes, regardless of how federal laws have been construed; Prohibit mandatory arbitration clauses for discrimination claims; Prohibit non-disclosure agreements in any settlement for a claim of discrimination, unless it's the complainant's preference; Provide that any term or condition in a non-disclosure agreement is void if it prohibits the complainant from initiating or participating in an agency investigation or disclosing facts necessary to receive public benefits; Require that employees be notified that non-disclosure agreements in employment contracts cannot prevent them from talking to the police, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the State Division of Human Rights or a similar local entity, or a lawyer; Extend the authority of the Attorney General to prosecute certain civil and criminal cases of discrimination against all protected classes; Require the Department of Labor and the Division of Human Rights to evaluate the impact of the model sexual harassment prevention policy every four years and update the policy as needed; Require any term or condition in a non-disclosure agreement be provided in writing to all parties, in plain English and the primary language of the complainant; Require the commissioner of the Labor Department to prepare templates of the model policy in languages other than English; Require every employer to provide employees with their sexual harassment policy in English or their primary language when they are hired and during training; and Extend the statute of limitations to file a sexual harassment complaint with the Division of Human Rights from one year to three years.

STATEMENTS FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO AND DEPUTY MAYOR J. PHILLIP THOMPSON ON PASSAGE OF STATE LAW TO ENSURE A FAIR ECONOMY FOR CITY’S M/WBES

 The State Legislature passed S6418A/A8407 sponsored by State Senator Kevin Parker and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte, which gives the City of New York the authority to increase economic opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). If signed into law, the City would be able to make discretionary awards to M/WBEs of up to $500,000. A higher discretionary threshold will increase M/WBEs’ access to more City projects that also are larger in scale. The City’s current discretionary award limit for goods and services is $150,000. Additionally, the legislation would allow the City to authorize a mentorship program for the Department of Design and Construction similar to the programs already available at the MTA and School Construction Authority. The bill also would allow the City to create pre-qualified lists exclusively for M/WBEs and small businesses.

Statement from Mayor Bill de Blasio:

“Our city is fairer and more vibrant when everyone – regardless of race, gender or ethnicity – has an opportunity to participate in our economy. With the help of State lawmakers and persistent advocacy from our minority and women entrepreneurs, we managed to once again expand economic opportunity for people who have historically been left out of our economy. A $500,000 discretionary award limit for minority and women entrepreneurs will strengthen our thriving economy and entrepreneurial backbone. I would like to thank our Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, bill sponsors State Senator Kevin Parker and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte, and the rest of the legislature for giving us greater tools to help our local businesses. I urge the Governor to sign this legislation into law and help us empower our minority and women-owned businesses.”

Statement from J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives and Citywide M/WBE Director:

 “We are at an inflection point when it comes to building a resilient economy, inclusive of all diverse vendors in City contracting. With the passage of this bill, we are primed for change because when M/WBEs succeed, our communities thrive and those who need jobs most are more likely to be hired. It has been an inspiring journey. Thank you to the legislative leaders and our bill sponsors, State Senator Parker and Assembly Member Bichotte, for seeing this legislation through. We now urge the Governor to sign this legislation into law to help dismantle longstanding institutional barriers inhibiting small business growth and provide meaningful relief to elevate entrepreneurs who have historically been marginalized.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO NOMINATES JEFFREY D. ROTH AS CHAIR AND COMMISSIONER OF THE TAXI AND LIMOUSINE COMMISSION

  Mayor de Blasio nominated Jeffrey D. Roth as the new Chair and Commissioner of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). As Chair, Roth would bring his extensive experience to bear to fight for better wages for drivers and for a taxi and limo fleet that serves all New Yorkers fairly. Roth’s nomination will be submitted to the Council this month for its advice and consent, as required by the City Charter.

“I am thrilled to nominate Jeff to head the Taxi and Limousine Commission,” said Mayor de Blasio. “His depth of experience in city government will serve New Yorkers well as we continue to root out practices that prey on medallion owners and help hardworking drivers feed their families. I look forward to his help as we grow our wheelchair accessible fleet and expand efforts to combat discrimination and service refusals more than ever before.”

“I am honored to be nominated to lead the TLC, which regulates such an integral component of this City’s transportation network” said Deputy Commissioner Jeff Roth of the Department of Veterans’ Services. “I look forward to working to fulfill the Mayor’s vision for improving the health and vitality of this industry; and working to protect the drivers, passengers, and visitors of NYC who rely on these services every day.”

“The TLC couldn’t ask for a better Commissioner than Jeffrey Roth,” said Commissioner Loree Sutton of the Department of Veterans’ Services. “I have had the true privilege of working alongside Jeff for the past three years as we built DVS from the ground up. His proven leadership, intellectual acumen, and unflagging commitment to improving the lives of those whom we are honored to serve are qualities that will benefit both the public servants working at TLC as well as the millions of New Yorkers who rely on TLC-regulated services. I salute Jeff’s extraordinary contributions as my Deputy, and wish him all the best as he continues his career in public service as Commissioner.”

About Jeffrey D. Roth

Jeffrey D. Roth brings a wealth of experience in City government to his new role and has led several projects and initiatives to build operational, data and technology capacity in various organizations. He was previously the Deputy Commissioner for Policy and External Affairs at the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). There, he oversaw policy formation and data analytics for the TLC, which regulates a historically high number of vehicles and drivers; over 80,000 vehicles driven by approximately 150,000 licensees, transporting nearly a million New Yorkers and visitors every day.

Jeff is departing from his role as the Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Veterans’ Services. There, he was responsible for overseeing the administrative, operational, programmatic and external affairs operations for the agency. Specifically, he monitored and advised on strategic planning of all DVS programming, overseeing the development and implementation of VetConnectNYC, and establishing positive relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers within City government. In this role, Roth was recognized in City and State in July 2016 as a "Veteran Still Serving to Improve New York.”

Prior to joining DVS, Jeff served as Assistant Commissioner at the FDNY. In that role, he was responsible for the Risk-Based Inspection System, a multi-phase project that enabled the Department to identify buildings most at risk for fire and prioritize them for inspections. This work was noted in Crain's New York Business, which recognized Roth as a member of its "Class of 2014 Forty Under Forty," its annual list of the most talented, driven and dynamic professionals under the age of 40 working in New York City.

Jeff also serves in the New York Army National Guard as the 42nd Infantry Division Fire Support Coordinator holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in 2004 in Sinai, Egypt as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), an organization charged with maintaining the peace protocols between Egypt and Israel, and in 2012 during Superstorm Sandy in New York City.

He holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Urban Planning from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University. He resides in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera Celebrates the Passage of the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera, along with members of the Senate Majority, proudly voted for the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, also known as Green Light NY. This measure will restore the right to obtain a license, regardless of immigration status, that existed prior to 2001.

"Immigrant New Yorkers, regardless of their legal status in this country, will now be able to travel to work, bring their children to school, or take a loved one to the hospital without fear of a minor traffic violation separating them from their homes, families, and lives. This measure will improve the safety of our roads, strengthen our economy, and protect and empower immigrant New Yorkers as they contribute to the fabric of New York State. I am honored to have voted for Green Light NY. "

BAAD's TransVisonaries Performance Series Kicks Off June 25

BAAD! - The Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance presents The TransVisionaries Performance Series 2019 Featuring Transgender Artists in Bronx Restaurants with
Cabaret, Poetry, Film, Performance and more! 

Series kick-off on June 25 at Mott Haven Bar & Grill

  For 20 years, BAAD! The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, has presented works that are empowering to women, people of color and LGBTQ people. The organization continues its newest program the TransVisionaries Performance Series, a first-ever, Bronx live performance series featuring transgender and GNC (gender non-conforming artists) in free, open to the public performances in South Bronx restaurants that are turned into one-night art centers. The series began in 2017 and ran through the summer of 2018. The new iteration of TransVisionaries will include eight evenings of cabaret, poetry, music and performance. The series kicks off on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 7pm at the Mott Haven Bar & Grill and will feature an evening hosted by the legendary Javon Egyptt and feature short films and performance by Egyptt and Chanel Lopez. The TransVisionaries Performance Series is made possible in part by Lincoln Center Cultural Innovation Fund, which is generously supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and administered by Lincoln Center. Visit www.BAADBronx.org to RSVP or call 718-918-2110 for additional information. 

The Mott Haven Bar and Grill, The Boogie Down Grind, Sam’s Soul Food and Charlies Bar & Kitchen are among the partner restaurants.  The schedule is as follows with additional events to be added in October and November:

Tue., June 25  |  7pm  | Mott Haven Bar & Grill  |  1 Bruckner Blvd. 

Film & Performance 

Javon Egyptt hosts an evening of performance and film including “Happy Birthday Marsha” and “Atlantic is a Sea of Bones” by Tourmaline, and “Mx. Enigma” by Jay Daniels, with performances by Egyptt and Chanel Lopez.

Mon., July 8  |  7pm  |  Boogie Down Grind Café  |  868 Hunts Point Ave. 

POETS & WRITERS 

An amazing mix of work by Nahshon Dion Anderson, Jeanne Bailey, Jimena Lucero and Jasmine Reid.

Sun, Aug. 4  |  7pm  |  Charlies Bar & Kitchen  | 112 Lincoln Ave. (nr. E. 134th St.) 

CABARET with Barbra Herr and guests 

The beloved and celebrated Barbra Herr leads a night of cabaret music with guest performers including Barbie Crawford and Suggapie Koko.

Mon., Aug. 19  |  7pm  |  Boogie Down Grind Café  |  868 Hunts Point Ave. 

MUSIC & SONG 

An exciting line-up of musicians that go from folk to funk to hip-hop including Auset Bennu, Apollo Flowerchild and Zyi Namaste.

Sun., Sept. 8  |  7pm  |  Sam’s Soul Food  |  598 Grand Concourse (150th St.) 

CABARET with Michael Michelle Lynch 

Critically acclaimed Michael Michelle Lynch brings a dazzling evening of music, song, storytelling and sass, accompanied by pianist Steven Kaufman.

Crowned “a funky and welcoming performance space” by The New York Times, BAAD! is a performance and workshop space that presents cutting-edge works in dance and all creative disciplines empowering to women, Latinos and people of color and the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community. BAAD! is home to Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre (AATT) and the Bronx Dance Coalition and was founded by dancer/choreographer Arthur Aviles and writer/activist Charles Rice-Gonzalez in 1998 in Hunts Point. BAAD! moved to Westchester Square in October 2013 to a gothic revivalist building on the grounds of St. Peter’s Church.

For the past 20 years, BAAD! has held consistent space for the Bronx’s LGBTQ community presenting live performance, community forums and social/civic engagement.  BAAD! has also stepped into a leadership role linking LGBTQ community organizing efforts to performances when the art and activism share a theme. The TransVisionaries Performance Series takes our mission into Bronx communities.

BAAD!/AATT receive support from The Ford Foundation, The SHS Foundation, The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The Howard Gilman Foundation, The Lincoln Center Cultural Innovation Fund supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and administered by Lincoln Center, The Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust, The Jerome Foundation, The Dance/NYC Dance Advancement Fund supported by the Ford Foundation, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, The New York State Regional Economic Development Corporation, The New York State Council on the Arts, Councilmember Mark Gjonaj and Ruben Diaz, Sr., and private donations.

ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF LANDMARK CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION

The New York State Legislature has passed the strongest climate change legislation in the nation with the Climate and Community Protection Act.

  Upon the passage of the Climate and Community Protection Act, which has previously passed the Assembly in each of the past three years, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz issued the following statement:

“Every generation seems to have one preeminent challenge that defines their relationship with the world around them. For this generation, that challenge is climate change. It is beyond irresponsible that we have allowed our climate to descend into the horrifying state that it is already in, and it is our obligation – not as legislators, but as moral human beings – to correct this blatant disaster that will be passed onto our children and grandchildren.

For the fourth year in a row, I am incredibly proud to vote in favor of taking substantial and significant action to combat climate change and to establish New York State as a global leader in how we can transform our economy to save our planet. The Assembly has long been the leading voice demanding action on climate change, and it is through the incredible persistence of my colleagues and our Speaker that we have established the most monumental and aggressive action on climate change in the world outside of the Paris Agreement.

This bill is not the end by any means. We will have to continue working hard, together with private industry and individual consumers, to meet the lofty goals that have been established. It won’t be easy to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, but it also wasn’t easy to land a man on the moon. I believe we can accomplish the goals espoused in this legislation and in the process transform our economy into one that leads the world in green technology, green jobs, and a cleaner environment.”

Wave Hill events July 4‒11

Thu, July 4

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights on Independence Day. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Fri, July 5

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Sat, July 6

Family Art Project: Felting the Magical Atmosphere

Come together to read Faith Ringold’s Tar Beach and imagine flying over places that hold a special meaning. Then layer stiffened, wool-felt shapes to create a magical atmosphere to hold you on your spectacular journey, defying Earth’s gravity! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, July 6

Gallery Tour

Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. The exhibition Here We Land features three former Winter Workspace artists, Camille Hoffman, Maria Hupfield and Sara Jimenez, who return to explore narratives about contested space that draw on personal and cultural touch points in their immersive installations. In the Sunroom, Amir Hariri creates sculptural installations constructed of wood, brick and other building materials—along with a wall drawing—that connect to his architectural research to the Bronx and Wave Hill. In the Sun Porch, Geoffrey Owen Miller suspends transparent, upside down sculptures of flora and fauna—inspired by Wave Hill—from the ceiling over sheets of black-mirrored glass. Visitors see prismatic reflections of the hanging plants and animals in upright positions in the glass. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Sun, July 7

Yoga in the Garden

On Sundays through July, enjoy the gardens as the setting for your yoga practice as your find your breath and become connected to the landscape. Classes are led by certified Yoga Haven instructors. All levels welcome. Please bring a mat and be on time. This class is rain or shine; the rain location is Glyndor Gallery. $25; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration suggested, online.

On the Grounds, 9:30‒10:30AM

Sun, July 7

Family Art Project: Felting the Magical Atmosphere

Come together to read Faith Ringold’s Tar Beach and imagine flying over places that hold a special meaning. Then layer stiffened, wool-felt shapes to create a magical atmosphere to hold you on your spectacular journey, defying Earth’s gravity! Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, July 7

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Tue, July 9

Gallery Tour

Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. The exhibition Here We Land features three former Winter Workspace artists, Camille Hoffman, Maria Hupfield and Sara Jimenez, who return to explore narratives about contested space that draw on personal and cultural touch points in their immersive installations. In the Sunroom, Amir Hariri creates sculptural installations constructed of wood, brick and other building materials—along with a wall drawing—that connect to his architectural research to the Bronx and Wave Hill. In the Sun Porch, Geoffrey Owen Miller suspends transparent, upside down sculptures of flora and fauna—inspired by Wave Hill—from the ceiling over sheets of black-mirrored glass. Visitors see prismatic reflections of the hanging plants and animals in upright positions in the glass. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Wed, July 10

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Wed, July 10

Sunset Wednesday: Niall Connolly

A master of songwriting and storytelling, New York-based, Cork-born songwriter Niall Connolly performs at Wave Hill this summer with his four-piece band, sharing his sincerity, wit and humor. Connolly has released eight studio albums, a live album and an EP. His latest album, Dream Your Way Out of This One, features collaborations with his long-term NYC band, as well as guest appearances from Glen Hansard (Once, The Frames, The Swell Season), Javier Más (Leonard Cohen’s band) and Deni Bonet (REM, Cyndi Lauper, Sarah McLachlan). Connolly has toured all over Europe and the US, including festival appearances at Glastonbury, CMJ, Prague Fringe Festival, Acoustic Festival Düsseldorf, Cork Folk Festival and Cuala NYC. Free with admission to the grounds. Special evening admission to the grounds starts at 4PM; $12 general adult admission; $8 student and seniors 65+; $6 children ages six+. Purchase admission online by 4pm on day of event and save $2. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under age six. No guest passes or reciprocal admission accepted.

On the Grounds, 7PM

Thu, July 11

Mokuhanga: A Japanese Woodblock Printing Intensive

Learn the time-honored techniques of mokuhanga, or relief printing, with 2019 Winter Workspace Artist Nandini Chirimar. Print using traditional Japanese woodblock techniques for two full days while exploring the basics of image preparation, transfer, registration, carving and multi-color printing. Materials list provided upon registration. This two-day workshop continues July 12. $160; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

Wave Hill House, 10AM‒4PM

Thu, July 11

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS – Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES – Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

  

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Attempting to Join ISIS in Yemen

Defendant Made Repeated Attempts to Reach ISIS-Controlled Territory and Discussed Plans for a Terror Attack on Times Square Using a Garbage Truck

  Mohamed Rafik Naji was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Frederic Block for attempting to provide material support or resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization.  Naji pleaded guilty to the charge in February 2018.  

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.

“With this sentence, Naji has been held accountable for trying to enter a foreign war zone and join ISIS’ murderous cause,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “This Office, together with the FBI, the NYPD and all the members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force will take every step necessary to incapacitate terrorists like Naji and protect the American people.  I commend the Task Force for its outstanding work in this case.”

“Time and again, the United States has brought to justice those who have traveled from here to try and fight for ISIS,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers.  “This is just what Naji did.  Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his crime and I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this result.”

 “Extremists like Mr. Naji believe murdering innocent people advances their political agendas,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.  “In the end, Mr. Naji, like many others before him, find the only thing their actions lead to is a different vantage point from which to watch the world pass by – through the steel bars of a federal prison.  Mr. Naji will remember today as sentencing day, nothing more.  Working day in and day out with our partners on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, safeguards have been put in place to secure Times Square and other popular attractions so any would be terrorist will find it extremely difficult to carry out their plans.  Our unified goal is to remain proactive and prevent acts before they occur, and once again I would like to thank all of those who ensure our safety.”

“This case is a reminder that New York City remains the top target for terrorism in the U.S.,” said NYPD Commissioner O’Neill.  “The NYPD and its partners in law enforcement will never relent in the fight against terror. I want to thank the dedicated members of the JTTF who worked on this investigation to keep our City safe and the prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York.”

By late 2014, Naji had become a committed supporter of ISIS as he repeatedly promoted its mission and distributed the terrorist group’s propaganda with violent themes and messages on social media.  In March 2015, Naji traveled from New York City to Yemen in an effort to join ISIS.  Naji also used social media to advise another person he could travel to join ISIS, but unbeknownst to Naji, that individual was a confidential source of information for the government (the “CS”).  In an online conversation with the CS, Naji proclaimed his allegiance to ISIS, stating, “I belong to Islamic state only.” 

Following his return to the United States in September 2015, Naji continued to express support for ISIS and violent jihad.  In July 2016, following an ISIS-inspired terrorist truck attack in Nice, France that killed scores of civilians, Naji told the CS how easy it would be to carry out a similar attack in Times Square: “[ISIS] want an operation in Times Square” and “[an ISIS] reconnaissance group . . . put up scenes of Times Square.”  Naji added: “if there is a truck, I mean a garbage truck and one drives it there to Times Square and crushes them . . . Times Square day.” 

Naji has been incarcerated since his arrest in Brooklyn in November 2016.

The Defendant:

MOHAMED RAFIK NAJI

Age: 40

Brooklyn, New York