ICE Arrests Illegal Alien Former Teacher Wanted for Involvement in 2024 Tren de Aragua Mass Shooting

 

This illegal alien was previously released from jail by Chicago sanctuary politicians

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested a former Illinois teacher and illegal alien who assisted in a December 2024 Tren de Aragua mass shooting at a house party in Chicago where three people were killed and several others were injured.

Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti

Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti, 32, an illegal alien from Venezuela with dual citizenship in Italy, drove the two shooters.

Ricardo Granadillo Padilla (left) and Edward Martinez Cermeno (right) displaying weapons inside residences in the U.S.

Chicago police discovered multiple weapons in Moreno Occhipinti’s vehicle immediately after the crime. Authorities believe she helped Granadillo Padilla and Martinez Cermeno evade law enforcement after the shooting.  

The Chicago Police Department arrested Moreno Occhipinti on December 5 for charges of unlawful use of weapons and weapon offense. Chicago sanctuary politicians released her without notifying ICE.

Some of the weapons discovered in Moreno Occhipinti’s vehicle

After the Cook County State Attorney’s office determined it would not move forward with criminally prosecuting these subjects, HSI Chicago took independent and decisive enforcement action to make sure these individuals could no longer threaten their community. HSI Chicago will continue to enforce federal laws to make sure the community is safe.

HSI Chicago’s Human Trafficking and Smuggling Group agents arrested Moreno Occhipinti late at night on May 13, 2026. She remains in custody pending removal.

“This illegal alien who used to work as a teacher was involved in a mass shooting in Chicago that killed three people and injured others,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Although Chicago police arrested this illegal alien shortly after the shooting, sanctuary politicians released her from jail without notifying ICE.  Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS is doing the job that sanctuary politicians in Illinois refuse to do: putting the American people first and removing these dangerous criminals from our communities.”

“Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti’s actions were calculated and deliberate, leading to the loss of three lives,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “I’m proud of our agents for pursuing this case to the end, ensuring that everyone who helped facilitate this mass homicide is brought to justice.”

Moreno Occhipinti entered the United States in October of 2021 under the Visa Waiver Program, and was supposed to leave by January 2, 2022. She illegally remained in the United States past that date. 

Granadillo Padilla and Martinez Cermeno were both previously arrested and deported, like many of their associates were after the shooting.

Madison Man Federally Charged for Armed Meth Trafficking and Firearms Offense

 

Frederick Allen Smith, Jr., 54, of Madison, Fla., was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. 

Smith, Jr. appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 am before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle.

If convicted, Smith, Jr. faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine count; a minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment consecutive to other sentences on the possession of a firearm in furtherance count; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. 

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Commission on Government Efficiency Citywide Public Input Sessions

Meeting Notice

Citywide Public Input Sessions 

TIMES AND LOCATIONS:

Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

CUNY Medgar Evers College

1650 Bedford Avenue

Enter on Crown Street between Franklin and Bedford Avenues

Brooklyn, NY 11225

Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

CUNY Lehman College

250 Bedford Park Boulevard West

Bronx, NY 10468

Monday, July 6, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Great Hall

1000 Richmond Terrace

Staten Island, NY 10301

Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Riverside Church

490 Riverside Drive

New York, NY 10027

Monday, July 13, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Queens Borough Hall, Helen Marshall Cultural Center

120-55 Queens Boulevard

Kew Gardens, NY 11424 

VIRTUAL LOCATION:  See link to Zoom meeting posted at www.nyc.gov/COGE.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INPUT SESSIONS

The New York City Commission on Government Efficiency (“COGE”) will host Public Input Sessions in all five boroughs to discuss proposed changes to the New York City Charter.  COGE is empowered to consider revisions to the Charter for presentation to the voters at the November 3, 2026 general election, or at another designated election date pursuant to law.

The Charter provides the structure of City government and sets out key powers of City elected officials and agencies.  After a review of the entire Charter, COGE may recommend changes intended to help City government work more efficiently and better serve all New Yorkers.

The public is invited to hear from experts, testify about any matter of importance to City government, and to suggest changes to the Charter.  You can find out more about the New York City Commission on Government Efficiency by visiting us at our website:  www.nyc.gov/COGE.

Who can give input?

These meetings are open to the public, and the public will have the opportunity to testify before members of COGE.  Any member of the public may testify about their ideas for improving the City Charter for up to three (3) minutes.  COGE will hear testimony from people who attend the meeting in person and from people who attend by Zoom.  COGE will hear testimony from individuals who appear in person before hearing testimony from those attending via Zoom.  A group, organization or institution wishing to testify shall select a single designated representative.  New Yorkers from any of the five boroughs may testify.  COGE will attempt to accommodate everyone who signs up to speak at this hearing, but if time does not permit all testimony to be heard, the public is encouraged to utilize other opportunities to testify, including by testifying at subsequent COGE public input sessions or by submitting written testimony at https://tinyurl.com/COGE2026comments.

How do I submit written testimony?

The public may submit written testimony at https://tinyurl.com/COGE2026comments instead of or in addition to testifying live at a hearing.

When and where are the hearings?

Doors open to the public, and each Input Session may be accessed virtually via the Zoom link posted to www.nyc.gov/COGE, at the following dates, times, and locations:  

Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

CUNY Medgar Evers College

1650 Bedford Avenue

Enter on Crown Street between Franklin and Bedford Avenues

Brooklyn, NY 11225

Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

CUNY Lehman College

250 Bedford Park Boulevard West

Bronx, NY 10468

Monday, July 6, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Great Hall

1000 Richmond Terrace

Staten Island, NY 10301

Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Riverside Church

490 Riverside Drive

New York, NY 10027

Monday, July 13, 2026, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Queens Borough Hall, Helen Marshall Cultural Center

120-55 Queens Boulevard

Kew Gardens, NY 11424

The public may join the meeting at the Zoom link posted to www.nyc.gov/charter at that same time.

 

NYC Council to Mark America 250 by Celebrating the Communities That Built New York and the Nation

 

Series of public events will highlight the people, cultures, and traditions that shaped American identity through the lens of New York City

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the New York City Council will launch a series of public events in partnership with major cultural and community institutions honoring New York City’s central but often overlooked role in shaping American identity.

From immigrants from around the world arriving in search of opportunity to Black Americans whose contributions transformed the nation’s culture, economy, and identity, generations of New Yorkers have helped shape what it means to be American. Through public art installations, performances, and cultural programming, the Council’s America 250 events will celebrate their contributions and historical impact. New Yorkers are invited to reflect on the communities, sacrifices, and experiences that continue to define both the city and the nation.

Photos from the events will be available here.

“For generations, New York City has been a place where people from every background can come to pursue opportunity, build communities, and help shape the future of our country,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “At a time when the federal government is working to minimize the integral role that Black Americans and immigrant communities have played in shaping our nation, New York City is choosing to celebrate those stories. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we are proud to honor the communities whose contributions have strengthened our city, enriched our culture, and helped define the American experience.”

Featured events include:

•    The Legacy Quilt Project Installation
  •    June 22-30 | Council Chambers, City Hall
  •    In collaboration with the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD), the Council will host an installation of The Legacy Quilt Project to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s culinary identity and food culture. Portions of the quilt will be displayed in the Council Chambers, giving New Yorkers an opportunity to learn about African American chefs, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders featured in the project. Commissioned by MOFAD as the centerpiece of its exhibition, African/American: Making the Nation’s Table, the quilt consists of 406 handmade blocks, each representing an African American contribution to American cuisine. The project highlights four centuries of African American influence on the nation’s food culture and recognizes stories that have too often gone untold.
•    We The City: Poetry in the Park
  •    June 25 | 11:00 AM | City Hall Park
  •    In partnership with The Public Theater, the Council will host a multilingual public reading of Emma Lazarus’ The New Colossus, the iconic poem inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty. At the event, artists, performers, authors, civic leaders, athletes, and cultural figures representing some of New York City’s largest and most vibrant communities will read the poem in languages connected to their heritage. Readings will be conducted in Spanish, Mandarin, Yiddish, Haitian Creole, Russian, and other languages spoken across the city, reflecting New York’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
•    We The City: Digital Projections
  •    July 1–3
  •    In partnership with The New York Historical and the New York Immigration Coalition, the Council will present “We The City,” a public art installation projecting historic images and stories of immigrant New Yorkers onto sites across the city, including: The Museum of Modern Art, the Staten Island Museum, the Bronx Children’s Museum, LinkNYC kiosks, and locations within all three public library systems. The project will highlight the lives and contributions of immigrants who helped shape New York’s civic, cultural, and economic life, offering New Yorkers and visitors an opportunity to engage with stories that remain central to the city’s identity and the nation’s history.

Additionally, the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the New York City Council, Dr. Nantasha Williams, in collaboration with the Museum of the City of New York and PBS, organized a world premiere screening of Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War on June 20. The documentary uncovers the stories of four Black Americans who pursued freedom, citizenship, and belonging during the American Revolution, illuminating the tension between the promises of the Declaration of Independence and the lived realities of enslaved and free Black people in early America. Following the screening, audiences heard from the filmmakers and scholars and were invited to explore the Museum’s new exhibition, The Occupied City: New York and the American Revolution.

U.S.–Israeli Citizen Extradited from Norway Is Arraigned in Orlando on Indictment Alleging Threats to Jewish Community Institutions

 

Related Charges Pending in Washington, D.C. and Georgia

Michael Ron David Kadar, 27, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, was arraigned today on an indictment from the Middle District of Florida charging him with hate crimes and obstruction of the free exercise of religion committed against Jewish institutions throughout Florida, including schools and community centers. In addition, Kadar faces charges in the District of Columbia for threats made against the Israeli Embassy and the Anti-Defamation League Washington, D.C. offices and in the Middle District of Georgia for cyberstalking and conveying false information to police dispatch regarding an alleged hostage situation at a residence in Athens, Georgia.

“The alleged crimes stand out for their cruelty and for the harm they caused to the Jewish community,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When technology is exploited to terrorize houses of worship and community centers, it is an attack on religious liberty and public safety. We will never lose sight of the families, staff, and first responders who were forced to live with these threats.”

“Targeting individuals, groups, or institutions for their religious beliefs is contradictory to the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and against the law,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The crimes alleged in this indictment caused undue trepidation and threats of harm to the Jewish community in our district and will not be tolerated.”  

“The FBI takes all threats seriously and will always utilize the full extent of our resources to restore safety and security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Crawford of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “This indictment demonstrates that commitment and our promise to work together with our partners to protect the civil rights of all Americans.”

An investigation into numerous threats made to individuals and organizations in the United States led to the identification and arrest of Kadar in Ashkelon, Israel, and the instant indictment. The indictment from the Middle District of Florida charges that in early 2017, Kadar made multiple calls relaying bomb and active shooter threats to numerous Jewish Community Centers throughout Florida, including to preschool programs operated at those facilities. Additionally, the indictment charges Kadar with attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religion at the Jewish Community Centers when he made those threats. Many of the calls resulted in the temporary closure and evacuation or lockdown of the targeted facilities and required law enforcement and emergency personnel to respond to and clear the area, although no actual explosives were found.

Kadar arrived in the United States on June 18 following extradition from Norway, where he had been detained at the request of the United States. He traveled to Norway after serving a sentence in Israel for related conduct. 

The hate crime charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, the bomb threats charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and the interstate threats charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. If convicted, Kadar could also be subject to court-ordered restitution.

This case was investigated by the FBI Tampa Field Office, FBI Washington Field Office, and FBI Atlanta Field Office. 

Trial Attorney Jared Hosid of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kara M. Wick and Diane Hu for the Middle District of Florida, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach for the Middle District of Georgia and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Kenerson for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the cases with assistance from the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case. The Department of Justice also acknowledges and appreciates the assistance of Norwegian authorities.  

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

Former NYPD Officer Sentenced To 90 Months In Prison For Bribery, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that ANDREW NGUYEN, a former officer in the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), was sentenced to 90 months in prison for conspiring to solicit and receive bribes, conspiring to distribute narcotics, and possessing a firearm in connection with the conspiracy to distribute narcotics, in connection with his role as an NYPD officer.  NGUYEN previously pled guilty on January 29, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres, who imposed today’s sentence.

“Andrew Nguyen repeatedly abused his position of public trust by soliciting and accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “In exchange, he helped the leader of a drug trafficking organization, including by transporting kilograms of dangerous drugs, providing armed protection, and using an NYPD police car and equipment to conduct and document a fake car stop and seizure.  In short, Nguyen endangered the very community that he swore an oath to protect.  The greatest police department in the world does not accept corruption in its ranks, and this Office was proud to partner with them to root it out.  Today’s sentencing sends a message from the NYPD and the DOJ: corruption has no place in the world’s greatest police force.”  

According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in court:

For approximately three years, between at least in or about 2020 and at least in or about November 2023, NGUYEN used his position as a police officer in the NYPD to solicit and accept tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in exchange for assisting another individual (“CC-1”) with the operation of CC-1’s drug trafficking enterprise.  For example, NGUYEN transported drugs, including approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, for CC-1 while NGUYEN was armed with a firearm, including NGUYEN’s NYPD-authorized off-duty firearm, which NGUYEN planned to use to protect CC-1 if violence occurred. While transporting those drugs, NGUYEN also carried his NYPD credentials and an NYPD parking placard, which NGUYEN planned to use to evade arrest in the event he was pulled over by other members of the NYPD. Overall, NGUYEN, who was at all relevant times an officer in the NYPD, accepted more than $30,000 in bribe payments from CC-1 (and solicited tens of thousands of dollars in additional bribes) in connection with NGUYEN’s participation in CC-1’s drug trafficking enterprise.

In addition to his prison term, NGUYEN, 41, of Harriman, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau. 

Attorney General James Secures $90,000 From Two Banks for Attempting Illegal Evictions and Failing to Follow Rent Stabilization Laws

 

AG James’ Rent Stabilization Compliance Program Has Prevented 26 Evictions and Returned 103 Units to Rent Stabilization

Deutsche Bank and US Bank Will Pay $90,000, Return 12 Units to Rent Stabilization

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the first settlements reached as part of her office’s compliance program focused on enforcing “de facto” rent stabilization in buildings throughout New York City. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has secured $90,000 from Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (Deutsche Bank) and U.S. Bank National Association (US Bank) as a result of their failure to register units in Brooklyn as rent-stabilized with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) following prior court decisions that found the buildings to be de facto rent stabilized. As a result of OAG’s compliance program, the banks will return a total of 12 units to rent stabilization and pay $90,000. Since its launch in May 2025, OAG’s de facto rent stabilization compliance program has successfully prevented 26 evictions and secured the return of 103 units to rent stabilization.

“No matter how big or powerful they are, banks are not above the law, and they cannot get away with failing to protect their tenants,” said Attorney General James.  “My office created this compliance program to ensure all New York City tenants are treated fairly. We will not hesitate to take action against any bank that attempts to circumvent our rent stabilization laws.”

Following the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974, de facto rent stabilization was created as a judicial doctrine to allow buildings with five or fewer units built before 1974 to become rent stabilized if the building was altered – legally or illegally – to have six or more units. Buildings can be exempt from rent stabilization laws if a landlord can prove a building was built after 1974 or has fewer than six units. The buildings subject to OAG’s compliance program were found by a court or HCR to be subject to rent stabilization laws because a current or former landlord had added enough units to bring the total units in each building to six or more. Rent stabilization status remains even if the total units go below six, such as when the owner subsequently removes a newly added apartment.

As part of Attorney General James’ de facto rent stabilization compliance program, OAG sent letters to more than 50 New York City landlords who owned buildings that were found to be de facto rent stabilized but had not been registered with HCR. Landlords who received compliance letters from OAG were given an opportunity to prove that their buildings are legally exempt from rent stabilization. Landlords that were unable to prove exemption were asked to take the following steps to move into compliance with rent stabilization laws: 

• Register the legal regulated rent for all units in the building with HCR; 
• Issue rent stabilized leases to tenants at the proper legal regulated rent; 
• Send a notice to each tenant in the building explaining that the owner is sending the new lease based on OAG’s finding that the tenant is rent stabilized and explaining their rights as a rent stabilized tenant; and 
• Provide OAG with sworn certification that the landlord has taken the above actions. 

Deutsche Bank

An investigation by OAG found that Deutsche Bank obtained 392 Rockaway Parkway (392 Rockaway) in Brooklyn at a foreclosure sale in October 2024 and improperly attempted to evict tenants from four units, claiming the units were not rent stabilized. The OAG informed Deutsche Bank that the units were rent stabilized and Deutsche Bank ended the eviction cases. In August 2025, OAG reached out to Deutsche Bank and provided a deadline for the bank to comply with rent stabilization requirements, but the bank did not respond and failed to meet OAG’s deadline. Under the terms of the settlement, Deutsche Bank will register four units as rent stabilized and pay $42,000 in penalties.

US Bank

An investigation by OAG found that US Bank obtained 8624 Glenwood Road (8624 Glenwood) in Brooklyn at a foreclosure sale in September 2023. In 2025, 8624 Glenwood was found to be covered by rent stabilization laws. However, US Bank failed to comply with the rent stabilization laws. In August 2025, OAG reached out to US Bank and provided a deadline for the bank to comply with rent stabilization requirements, but the bank did not respond and failed to meet OAG’s deadline. Under the terms of the settlement, US Bank will register eight units as rent stabilized and pay $48,000 in penalties, as well as additional civil penalties for failing to register the buildings with HPD.

Governor Hochul Announces Exploratory Committee to Evaluate Potential Lake Placid-New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games in 2042

Announcement of Committee Leadership Comes Ahead of the Celebration of Olympic Day on June 23

The Effort Brings Together Leaders from Government, Business, Sports and Community Organizations to Assess the Potential of Bringing the Olympic Flame Back to New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the formation of the Lake Placid-New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee, a statewide effort tasked with evaluating the feasibility of a future Winter Games concept linking Lake Placid's Olympic legacy with New York City's global platform. The committee will assess whether a modern, regionally coordinated Winter Games model-built around existing venues, sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement could support the State's broader economic, tourism, infrastructure, and regional development goals.

“The time is now to return the Olympic flame back to New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Milano Cortina showcased the immense possibility that comes with a dual city Olympic Games. It’s clear we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on Lake Placid's Olympic legacy, New York City's global platform, and the strengths that make our State unique. That’s why I’ve assembled some of the best and the brightest in sports, government and community leadership to take the steps necessary to ensure New York is in the best possible position to make the dream of a Lake Placid-New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games a reality.”

About the Exploratory Committee

The exploratory process is expected to unfold over approximately one year. Through focused workstreams, stakeholder engagement, and public input, the Exploratory Committee will evaluate whether a future Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games concept, with events centered in Lake Placid and New York City, could responsibly advance New York State's long-term priorities. The formation of the Exploratory Committee does not represent a commitment to pursue a formal Olympic or Paralympic bid. At the conclusion of the process, the committee will submit its findings and recommendations to State leadership for review. Future actions will be determined after completion of the exploratory process and evaluation of its findings.

The Exploratory Committee effort will be guided by a Leadership Group chaired by Ashley Walden, President and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, and composed of leaders from state and local government, economic development, and public service. The full membership of the Exploratory Committee Leadership Group includes:

• Ashley Walden, President and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority (Chair)
• Karen Persichilli Keogh, Secretary to Governor Kathy Hochul
• Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development
• New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su
• Village of Lake Placid Deputy Mayor and Trustee Jackie Kelly
• Assemblymember Robert Carroll
• Jarred Jones, New York State Director for U.S. Senator Gillibrand
• Martin Brennan, New York State Director for U.S. Senator Schumer

Supporting the Leadership Group will be a series of subcommittees, each led by two co-chairs, including:

• Community Engagement Subcommittee: co-chaired by James McKenna, Vice Chair and CEO of the Uihlein Foundation, and Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City.
• Finance Subcommittee: co-chaired by Serge Abergel, Chief Operating Officer of Hydro-Quebec Energy Services, and Peter Land, Media Consultant and Adjunct Professor at the NYU Stern School of Business.
• Games Operations Subcommittee: co-chaired by Andrew Weibrecht, two-time Olympic medalist and Operations Manager at the Mirror Lake Inn, and Marissa Shorenstein, Chief External Affairs Officer of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.
• Legal Subcommittee: co-chaired by Anthony W. Crowell, New York Law School Dean and President, and Director, Center for New York City and State Law, and Robert Landau, Executive Vice President for Business Operations at NBCUniversal.
• Senior Advisors Subcommittee: co-chaired by D. Billy Jones, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development at Clinton Community College, and Joe Martens, Board Chair of the Olympic Regional Development Authority.

Olympic & Paralympic Day and a New Era for American Sport

As Olympic & Paralympic Day approaches, communities around the world prepare to celebrate the founding of the modern Olympic Movement and the values of participation, friendship, and excellence that unite athletes across generations.

Few places embody those values more than Lake Placid. As one of only a handful of communities worldwide to host the Olympic Winter Games twice—in 1932 and 1980—Lake Placid continues to play an important role in the Olympic & Paralympic movement. More than four decades after the Miracle on Ice captivated the world, the community remains a destination for international competitions, elite training camps, and major sporting events. More than $750 million in State investments have transformed and modernized Lake Placid's Olympic venues, helping position the region as a year-round hub for recreation, athlete development, and international competition. Its venues were recently designated as the contingency sliding venue for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, further demonstrating their ongoing relevance on the world stage.

Together with New York City's global prominence as a destination for major sporting, cultural, and entertainment events, New York offers a unique opportunity to explore how Olympic heritage and modern regional hosting concepts could intersect in the future.

New York State’s World-Class Winter Sports Infrastructure

New York State has made generational investments in winter sports infrastructure in recent years, modernizing facilities in Lake Placid and positioning them to host international competitions, athlete development programs, and major events.

Those investments, combined with the State's broader transportation, hospitality, venue, and event-hosting assets, provide a strong foundation for evaluating whether a future Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games concept could be feasible, sustainable, and fiscally responsible.

Community Engagement and Exploratory Process

The exploratory process is being conducted with the knowledge of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and reflects the modern Olympic approach of long-term evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and due diligence before any consideration of a formal bid.