Yonkers street corner where shots were fired by a 15-year old
From County Legislator James Nolan:
The senseless shooting that took the life of a 20 year old man and left four teenagers wounded near Elm Street and Palisade Avenue is absolutely horrific. My prayers are with the victim’s family, those who were injured, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.
No family should have to bury a child because someone chose to settle a dispute with an illegal gun. According to police, a 15 year old suspect is in custody and a loaded firearm was recovered. This is another painful reminder that violent crime is destroying lives and tearing apart our communities.
I stand firmly with the Yonkers Police Department and every officer who puts on the badge each day to protect our neighborhoods. They deserve our unwavering support, the resources they need, and laws that allow them to do their jobs not policies that make it easier for violent offenders to end up back on our streets.
Albany must act. It is time to reform New York’s Cashless Bail Reform and the Raise the Age Law to ensure violent criminals are held fully accountable for their actions. Rehabilitation has its place, but when someone chooses to pick up a gun and shoot at people, public safety and accountability must come first. Violent offenders regardless of age must face swift, meaningful consequences that protect our communities and deliver justice for victims.
The people of Yonkers and Westchester County deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. We need leaders who will put public safety first, stand with law enforcement, and give our police officers, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to keep dangerous criminals off our streets.