Press Releases

Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network on Latest Gun Violence Incidents in New York

There is a profound crisis in New York with an increase in shootings and murders this Summer. The deadly gun battle that occurred this weekend outside of actor Jamie Hector and his wife’s baby shower exemplifies the startling trend.

The outbreak of violence plaguing New Yorker’s deserves the strongest condemnation. As we pray for those fallen and injured, we must continue to be vigilant in our fight for peace. National Action Network sends condolences to the families of the victims of this incident. We will continue to push for stronger gun control laws and programs that strive to keep guns off the streets.

National Action Network is further looking into the case involving senseless murder of Shem Walker at the hands of an undercover narcotics officer this weekend. Institutional violence on any level is reprehensible and those charged with protecting our streets should not contribute to the danger in them. This tragedy raises serious questions abut the systemic violence perpetuated by those in the NYPD and the continued patterns and practices of police related shootings must be investigated. Too many innocent New Yorkers are dying at the hands of the police as exemplified by the past slayings of Omar Edwards, Amadou Diallo, Timothy Stansbury, Sean Bell and countless others.