In response to the recent wave of gun violence, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Councilman James Vacca, the Throggs Neck Residents Council and Stand Up to Violence (SUV) rallied at the Throggs Neck Houses today. Senator Klein gathered residents and community leaders at the site of the first shooting, where he addressed the crowd on the importance of bringing awareness to these incidents and stopping gun violence. Reverend Dr. Sidney Hargrave began the march with a prayer, and SUV interrupters offered testimonials. Participants marched to the site of the second shooting and continued to protest the violence.
“We need to stop violence in its tracks. Last week we witnessed two brutal shootings right here, and today we march in solidarity against the recent senseless acts of gun violence. We must continue the fight to keep our streets safe for children and families,” said Senator Klein. “I am proud that I have secured nearly $1 million dollars for a cutting-edge program, SUV, to combat gun violence on our streets. In just a few years, this program has made a significant impact on guns and gang violence and reduced the incidents of shootings in targeted areas by over 50 percent. I hope that we see an even greater reduction.”
Over the past few years, Senator Klein has allocated over $1 million to Stand Up to Violence (SUV), which is a unique violence prevention program that deploys ‘credible messengers’ and ‘violence interrupters’ to mediate conflict in the community and help high-risk individuals in targeted, high-crime areas in The Bronx.
“Today I join with Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman Vacca, and the active residents here at the Throggs Neck Houses to bring awareness to this problem. We must continue to stand up to gun violence and make a change together,” said Assemblyman Benedetto.
"Violence in our community will not be tolerated," said Councilman Vacca. "I will be working closely with the 45th Precinct, the Throggs Neck Houses Resident Council and other elected officials to offer support in dealing with these difficult issues. People should not have to fear for their safety when walking down the street. We must take a multifaceted approach in dealing with violence and crime in our community."
“It is time we take back our community. In unity there is strength and in strength there is power.If we continue to allow fear to paralyze us we will continue to be victims and not victors, God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind ( 2 Timothy 1:7) In unity there is strength and in strength there is power,” said Monique Johnson, President of The Throggs Neck Residents Council.
“If you don’t - who will stand up to violence?” asked Minister Kwame Thompson, SUV Supervisor. “Thank you Senator Klein for being involved and being a healing force to cure violence.”
For more information on SUV, please call (718) 822-2049.
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