State Caucus Attends Sean Bell Vigil

Recently members of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus traveled to Queens to support the 50 day vigil being held in memory of Sean Bell.

“As State Legislators, we stand today in unity with the family and friends of Sean Bell. The Sean Bell tragedy was not only a horrific and unjust incident that happened to the Bell family, but a tragedy for families all across New York State that is unacceptable,” said Assemblyman Darryl Towns (D- Brooklyn), newly elected chair of the State Caucus. “We are here today to make our commitment to the family that we will stand with them and do all we can to be a support to them in there time of need. We will not just be out here today, but the members of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican and Asian Caucus will continue to have a presence to make sure that there is justice for Sean Bell.”

“I am supporting this vigil as a retired law enforcement officer and a newly elected State Senator and I realize that neither one of these statuses would have prevented me from being shot had I been in the car with Sean Bell that night. It is important that we use the next 39 days to keep this issue on our minds as well as make a personal sacrifice for change,” said State Senator Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn).
“It is time that our community - not only in Queens or Brooklyn but the community of brotherhood and justice, unite to refute the actions of those who were employed to protect and serve with respect, but instead have become un-appointed judges, jurors and executioners who deny citizens of their basic American rights. According to the New York City Police Department, its mission is to “enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear, and provide for a safe environment.” Unfortunately for many families who have lost loved ones to venomous bullets, their shattered lives are engulfed in enlarged fear, torment and an environment of hardship and insecurity. It is our duty as Americans and even more importantly as human beings to right the wrongs of a system gone awry. It is of grave importance that we always remember those lives that were needlessly lost - Amadou Diallo, Patrick Dorismond and Sean Bell.... and make sure the past is not written in our future.,” said State Senator John Sampson (D- Brooklyn).

“The government failed the community in the aftermath of the Amadou Diallo shooting by not enacting any legislation to address police shootings of unarmed individuals,” said assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn). “That must be changed. It is important that we now pass the proper legislation to address this problem so that the death of Sean Bell will not be in vain.”

The vigil began on January 1 and will end on February 19th. This is a 24 hour vigil that is being held on 168th Street between 90th and 91st Avenues, across the street from the 103rd Precinct. For more information on how you can support the vigil, please call 866-695-2992.