Former Doctor Shoots Up Bronx Lebanon Hospital

  A former doctor walked into Bronx Lebanon Hospital with an assault rifle and opened fire on doctors. Cops found the gunman dead following the rampage, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. At least one other person is dead, and six other people wounded, five in serious condition.

  Below are statements from Mayor Bill de Blasio, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMMISSIONER O’NEILL AT BRONX-LEBANON HOSPITAL

  Mayor Bill de Blasio: We’ve had a real tragedy here in the Bronx this afternoon. It’s something we’ve seen around the country, and now we’ve experienced it here. The tragedy occurred in Bronx-Lebanon Hospital. I want to say at the outset, thank God this was not an act of terrorism. It is an isolated incident. It appears to be a workplace-related matter, but that makes it no less tragic or no less horrible. 

One doctor is dead and there are several doctors who are fighting for their lives right now amongst those who are wounded. As you know, the shooter killed himself, but not before having done horrible damage. Our hearts go out to the family of the doctor who passed away and we’re giving both our hearts and our prayers, standing in solidarity with the families of all of those who were wounded and all of those who are fighting for their lives right now. 

This was a horrific situation unfolding in the middle of a place that people associate with care and comfort – a situation that came out of nowhere. But even in the midst of this horror, there were many, many acts of heroism. I want to thank our first responders – the police officers from the 4-4 and 4-6 Precincts and from our Strategic Response Group who entered the building quickly, went toward the danger to protect the many, many hundreds of people who were in the building. 

The firefighters who arrived – this was not just an active shooter situation but there was a fire that complicated matters and our firefighters did an exceptional job of addressing that situation immediately. And then, of course, all of the personnel at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital whose day went from normal to horrifying in a matter of seconds – the doctors, the nurses – all of the personnel responded with extraordinary bravery, with cool professionalism. They protected each other. They protected their patients even amidst this horrible situation. 

I want to express to everyone at Bronx-Lebanon hospital our profound thanks for all they did to handle this situation and to immediately respond to support their compatriots who are wounded. 

There will be an opportunity in the coming hours to provide more details but at this point, there is a lot that we are piecing together. I want to say upfront, there are many, many details that we’re still putting together, that’s why we’re not in a position to answer questions yet. But there will be an accounting of details shortly. 

But, what I can say in the meantime is there are many things amidst this pain to be proud of today, and God bless our first responders and the hospital personnel for the way they handled this situation. They put the safety of their fellow New Yorkers first, as they always do. 

  I want to thank Fire Commissioner Dan Nigro of the Fire Department. His men and women performed admirably in this situation. I want to thank Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark for being here; the Borough President of the Bronx Rubin Diaz Jr.; State Senator Gustavo Rivera; and Congressman Jose Serrano. Thanks to all for being here in support and solidarity. 

Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill: As the Mayor stated, this is all preliminary information – this just happened a couple of hours ago. So, this is what we have so far – at approximately 2:55 pm, a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a male firing a gun on the 16th floor of Bronx-Lebanon Hospital. That’s located right here behind me on the Grand Concourse. 

Responding patrol units from the 4-4 Precinct, and the 4-6 Precinct, quickly determined that several people had been shot on the 16th and 17th floors by a lone gunman armed with an assault rifle. Additional NYPD units from the Strategic Response Group, Critical Response Command, Emergency Service Unit, and other commands responded and began our active-shooter protocol, including a search for the suspect, evacuation, and activation of the Rescue Task Force, which is a combination of NYPD personnel and F-D personnel. During the incident, the hospital’s fire alarm system activate, apparently due to the suspect’s attempt to set himself on fire. 

On the 17th floor, officers encountered the male suspect lying on the floor, dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. An assault rifle was found nearby. The subject was wearing a white medical-type coat. A female victim was also discovered on the 17th floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A total of six additional victims were found on the 16th floor. They have been removed to the emergency room of the hospital. Five of them were seriously injured and one suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. 

The subject, is a former employee of Bronx-Lebanon Hospital.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

"Today’s fatal shooting at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center has shocked an entire borough. On behalf of the more than 1.4 million people who call The Bronx home and who consider Bronx-Lebanon a vital partner within our communities, I offer condolences to the family of the woman who was tragically killed this afternoon. As we learn more details about this horrible incident, my office and I will keep the victims, their families and the entire Bronx- Lebanon family in our thoughts as we pray that the survivors of today’s shooting have a speedy recovery," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ON EXTENSION OF MAYORAL CONTROL

   

“Mayoral control of New York City schools is critical to the futures of more than one million kids. Providing a two-year extension gives the system an important measure of stability that’s key to initiatives that have produced record achievement.

“In extending our control of the nation’s largest school system, State lawmakers and the Governor deserve great credit for protecting the dramatic progress our teachers and principals have made in classrooms across the city. At the end of the day, Governor Cuomo, Speaker Heastie, and Leaders Flanagan, Klein, and Stewart-Cousins worked overtime to ensure New York City schools continued on a path of progress. The bipartisan cooperation that prevailed on this issue will have an immediate and lasting effect on the lives of our city’s children. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, education advocates, business and labor leaders, and a diverse coalition of allies played an equally crucial role in putting aside partisan politics and getting this legislation across the finish line.

“Our state government’s action allows us to refocus our attention away from the political process and back to our classrooms, where it belongs.”    

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Within the next two years before this happens again, our state legislature MUST come up with a plan to replace Mayoral Control which has been proven not to work.

The New York City public school system is in worse shape than ever, and that includes the announcement by Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Farina of policy to better integrate the New York City Public School System.

BP DIAZ AND SENATOR KLEIN CO-HOST ANNUAL FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

  On Thursday, June 29, 2017, tens of thousands of Bronxites and revelers from all over the region joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and State Senator Jeff Klein as they hosted the borough’s official kickoff to the year’s Independence Day Celebrations, the annual “New York Salutes America” boardwalk festival and fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach.

“The annual ‘New York Salutes America’ boardwalk festival and fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach is one of our jewel events, and is a great way to kick-off our city’s July 4thcelebrations. I was proud to once again join State Senator Jeff Klein in bringing together thousands of our neighbors to celebrate America,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“As always, the annual Fourth of July extravaganza at Orchard Beach drew thousands of Bronxites for a spectacular evening of free entertainment and fireworks. It was a night where the community came together to celebrate our nation’s freedom, and I'm proud to have once again worked with Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr to make it such a memorable event,” said State Senator Jeff Klein. 

VISION ZERO: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO COMBAT DRUNK DRIVING OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

NYPD will be out in force for DWI enforcement around the five boroughs over Independence Day weekend; From Friday through Tuesday nights, “Know Your Limit” campaign will offer $10 off cab rides taken via the Curb app

  As part of the Vision Zero safety campaign, Mayor de Blasio today announced a focus on DWI enforcement over the 4^th of July weekend, which traditionally has been among the deadliest times of the year for drunk-driving fatalities. At a briefing on holiday-related law-enforcement matters at One Police Plaza, he was joined DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, NYPD Transportation Chief Thomas Chan, and TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi, who also announced a new program to offer discounted cab rides — via the Curb app — over the holiday weekend. 

“Over three years of Vision Zero, we have made tremendous progress in reducing fatalities,” said Mayor de Blasio. “However, we have so much more work to do and a holiday weekend celebration is no excuse to let our guard down in keeping our fellow New Yorkers safe.  If you are drinking this weekend, don’t get behind the wheel. If you do, the NYPD is going to make sure you pay for it. Please use mass transit this weekend, or take advantage of the discounts being offered for New York City cabs.”

The DOT, NYPD, and TLC today made the following Vision Zero announcements:

DWI Enforcement Citywide: DOT and NYPD data show that the 4^th of July weekend ends one of the most dangerous periods of the year for DWI-related traffic fatalities. During the six-week period between Memorial Day and Independence Day weekends, the rate of fatal alcohol-involved crashes increases by 55% compared to the rest of the year. The National Safety Council predicts that with traffic fatalities on the rise nationally, this four-day weekend holiday weekend could be the deadliest in many years.

NYPD will be focused on finding and arresting intoxicated drivers this holiday weekend. The focus on DWI will be down to the precinct level, including through the use of random checkpoints.

“Know Your Limit” Campaign features $10 Off Rides via Curb App:  “Know Your Limit” is an on-street campaign educating New Yorkers about the dangers of drinking and driving. When enjoying a night on the town, New Yorkers should always plan ahead, especially because New York City already provides thousands of designated drivers – taxi drivers, bus drivers, and subway conductors. As part of “Know Your Limit,” New Yorkers are encouraged this weekend to book a safe ride home on the Curb app, which connects its users to over 13,000 licensed NYC taxis. 

Users who have downloaded the Curb app — at gocurb.com/app or in the App Store or at Google Play — can use the promotional code “NODWI” to get $10 off rides.  Beginning tonight, a limited number of promotional codes will be available each night this weekend through Tuesday night from 7pm to 4am.  To redeem the discount, riders simply download and register their credit card on the app.  Enter the promo code in the payments section and a $10 credit will be applied to the rider's fare for one ride this weekend. 

More information is available on NYCDOT’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts and on taxi tops and Taxi TV. 

“Last weekend, a driver in Midtown with an alcohol level twice the legal limit, drove the wrong way on Seventh Avenue and seriously hurt a cyclist,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Even as Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero efforts have helped us achieve historic declines in crashes, we need to stay vigilant for behavior that can so quickly undo that success.  If you are celebrating this holiday weekend, have a designated driver, take a subway or grab a cab. However you are celebrating, do not drink and then get behind the wheel. ”

"If you're out celebrating this weekend, ensure you have a designated driver," said NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill. "Our officers will be out across the City enforcing our traffic laws and cracking down on those who drink and drive."  

“Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle drivers play an essential safety role by helping passengers both stay off the road and get home comfortably after enjoying the holiday weekend,” said Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Meera Joshi .“The City and TLC-licensed driver’s efforts to prevent both drunk and fatigued driving is also something to celebrate.”

About Vision Zero 

In January 2017, after three successive years of declines in traffic fatalities, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced New York City would make an additional $400 million investment in Vision Zero – for a total of $1.6 billion over the next five years. DOT is implementing its most aggressive street redesign safety program, an increased investment in street redesign and traffic-calming measures citywide. Other Vision Zero changes announced by the Mayor include ensuring NYPD crossing guards at every post, faster replacement of street markings, intersection upgrades in the bike-lane network, more left-turn calming efforts, brighter lighting and more equipment at each police precinct to catch speeding.

 For more information about the de Blasio Administration’s Vision Zero initiative, please see www.nyc.gov/visionzero

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND COUNCIL MEMBER YDANIS RODRIGUEZ RELEASE INWOOD NYC 2017 ACTION PLANMAYOR DE BLASIO AND COUNCIL MEMBER YDANIS RODRIGUEZ RELEASE INWOOD NYC 2017 ACTION PLAN

Community-driven plan focuses on built character, affordable housing, support for small businesses, workforce development and access to the Harlem River

  Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James Patchett, and City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez today unveiled the Inwood NYC 2017 Action Plan which outlines neighborhood-wide goals and strategies that will build on Inwood’s strengths and address pressing challenges – including outdated zoning and rising rents, antiquated infrastructure, support for small businesses, workforce development and access to the Harlem River waterfront. 

“This community-driven plan means creating and preserving affordable housing, improving parks and access to the Harlem River, a new library, roads, schools, job development and vital business districts. We are working closely with Council Member Rodriquez and residents to ensure those living in Inwood today can stay and benefit from what is to come,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

The Inwood NYC 2017 Action Plan, as well as public meeting materials and community feedback, are available here in English and Spanish.

The Action Plan is a major milestone of the Inwood NYC Neighborhood Planning Initiative, a two-year, community-wide engagement process that has reached over 2,300 residents, local nonprofits, businesses, and elected officials. The City has worked with the Inwood community and elected officials to shape a plan that best meets the needs of residents. A defined list of community priorities has been laid out through a series of bilingual public events, workshops, stakeholder meetings and surveys, including:

·   Development of new affordable housing and preservation of existing affordable housing

·         Tenant protection from property owner harassment and unlawful rents

·         Easy access and connection to the Harlem River waterfront

·        Preservation of Inwood’s distinct built character west of 10^th Avenue, while ensuring that new developments are subject to Mandatory Inclusionary Housing requirements

·         Investment in outdated infrastructure, including streets, parks, sewers, and community spaces

·   Increased access to quality jobs, workforce development, and youth programming

·         Support for local businesses and arts & cultural organizations

“This Action Plan outlines comprehensive strategies to address Inwood’s most pressing challenges, such as rising rents, antiquated zoning, lack of access to the waterfront and outdated infrastructure,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James Patchett. “With the continued leadership and advocacy of Council Member Rodriguez and Borough President Brewer, the City is committed to preserving Inwood’s distinct character, while creating and preserving affordable housing, expanding economic opportunities and improving neighborhood livability so that it remains an affordable and vibrant community.”

STATEMENT FROM IDC LEADER JEFF KLEIN ON THURSDAY"S SPECIAL SESSION

  Today, we came together to finish the people’s business benefiting constituents in every corner of the state. A two-year extension of mayoral control ensures continuity and stability for New York City’s public school students. Through this package, we take care of upstate communities worried about flooding and job security, and ensure the financial health of municipalities by renewing tax extenders. There’s always more to get done, and the Independent Democratic Conference will continue to advocate for the issues most important to our constituents and all New Yorkers as we head into next session.

Candidates Visit Tracy Towers

  Last night there was a meet the candidates night at the Tracy Towers community room. Over 45 people were on hand to see Democratic Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese and Democratic Bronx Borough President candidate Carmela Price. The two have joined together for the Democratic Primary, while also being the candidates of the Reform Party meaning they both will be on the November ballot either as both the Democratic and Reform Party candidates or just the Reform Party candidates. 

  

  Bronx Borough President candidate Carmela Price opened the forum, and gave a vision of her Bronx compared to what the current Bronx is. Ms. Price said that she had worked for current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. (whom she is running against), but that she would not be the one to say negative things about her opponent. She did mention the community board application process, by saying if you didn't agree with the current Borough President your application went into the shredder. She said that she is opposed to Mayoral Control of the public schools, and that she wants to make a change. That is the reason she is running for Bronx Borough President, the fact that she knows what the job of the Borough President is.

  When questions were asked, as to a question about North Central Bronx Hospital downsizing and Montefiore taking over, her answer was why is the current borough president being so silent. To a question about the current Opioid epidemic, she held up a a overdose kit saying that she is trained to treat people who overdose and she wants to stop the epidemic. 

  Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese arrived after getting stuck in traffic which he said that he wants to clear up. It seems that there is to much traffic, and he wants to know why that is. Candidate Albanese brought up several issues about the deBlasio administration which included homelessness, Mayoral Control, lack of enough police, NYCHA, over development, and the aging subway system to name some. His solutions, Homelessness - move those out of the motels and into decent housing, Mayoral Control - end it and give more control to the community rather than all the power in the hands of the mayor, Police - look at what the police force is doing, and hire more officers if needed, NYCHA - do not sell the public areas in and around the houses for private development, Over development - rip up the zoning rules that the current mayor made so buildings can be built higher and on top of each other, The subway system - find out what really needs fixing and partner with the state to fix it.

  It is going to be a hard uphill battle for both Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese and Bronx Borough President candidate Carmela Price. First they have to get well over the required number pf signatures, and then their petitions have to be able to survive challenges that are sure to be filed. Both however are very optimistic about their respective races, but how many votes can optimism get you?

Above - Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese.

Below Bronx Borough President candidate Carmela Price.

Ms. Jean Hill the President of the Tracy Towers Tenants Association stands between Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese, and Bronx Borough President candidate Carmella Price. Ms. Hill said that there will be other candidates forums with candidates invited who represent or want to represent the community.