Legislator Abrahams Mobilizes Community to Combat Violence

In response to recent outbreaks of violence in several Nassau County communities, County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) mobilized community activists to tackle this growing problem and work towards viable solutions. A recent newspaper editorial cited five shootings in just one week in the month of June. There has also been a noticeable increase in armed robberies. Several social gatherings have turned into violent outbreaks with tragic outcomes.

Legislator Abrahams said, “Violence of any kind will not be tolerated. At the same time we must give our kids opportunities that open their minds to the positive possibilities this world has to offer.”

At an early afternoon press conference was joined by many prominent community and religious leaders. Bishop J. Raymond Mackey, the director of HEVN (Held End Violence Now) said, “It’s time to get rid of the cancer that’s spreading in our community which we call youth and gang violence. There is a need to bring restoration to our families in order to restore our communities. Together, let’s stop the violence.”

“In addition to our proactive initiatives to get guns off the street through buy backs, hotline and technology, we need to remain vigilant and work with the community to end these senseless shootings,” said Nassau Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey.

Sergio Argueta executive director and founder of STRONG, (Struggling To Reunite Our New Generation) and on behalf of Peacekeepers said, “Violence is our heroin epidemic and as such we need everyone to get involved.”

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said, ““Eradicating gun violence is a battle we wage everyday, both on the streets and in the courtrooms,” said Nassau County Attorney Kathleen Rice. “Every time there is another death at the end of a gun we all lose. We are losing a generation of young people to senseless violence on the streets. As the DA I have one message for those who are carrying out this violence. I see the results everyday. You will either end up dead, or in prison. That’s where violence takes you. There is no happy ending.”

Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams is pictured at the podium during his press conference calling for an

end to the violence in our communities. Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey (left) and Bishop J. Raymond Mackey

of HEVN (Help End Violence Now) joined Legislator Abrahams, community activists and members of the clergy.