Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC
During his nearly three decades representing Corona in Albany, Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry has kept a low profile while working for criminal justice reform but the gang shooting that wounded 10 on Saturday, July 31, brought him to the microphone at the Elmcor center, where he once worked after graduating college.
During a press conference on Sunday, Aug. 1, he noted that the facility on 108th Street has provided a haven for the community for nearly a half-century on the same street corner that was once a drug shooting gallery.
“If we don’t put this together on a state and citywide level a house divided cannot stand,” Aubry said. “So we need a new mayor and we need the governor to be reinvigorated in the desire to make New York City safe. We need the funding to be released and we need to make sure the communities cooperate.”
He then implored his constituents to speak up if they knew any of the two gunmen who fired nearly 40 shots into a crowd of people on 37th Avenue, or the two men on scooters who helped them get away before police responded to the crime scene.
“You have to be a part of the solution. You cannot sit back and be silent and think you are going to be safe because they will continue to shoot and they do not care who you are or if you are in the way,” Aubry said. “If you are not part of the solution doing what is necessary to bring people to justice we will not have a safe community. There’s good here and there’s bad here and we need to put the good together to defeat the bad.”
State Senator Jessica Ramos called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to disburse the more than $300,000 she allocated in funding for Elmcor in order to implement a Cure Violence program.
“Too many guns are on the streets and what we need the most above all is the cooperation of the federal government to end the Iron Pipeline,” Ramos said. “Most of the guns on our streets come from out of state and we need more stringent background checks. We need much better control over who has access to these guns.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stood with the elected officials at Elmcor and while she could not talk about the case, she spoke of the scourge of gun violence.
“I can prosecute the drivers of crime and we do take down gun rings, those that come in from Virginia through the Iron Pipeline and sell guns to our children in Queens County,” Katz said. “We find them and we prosecute them.”
Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas echoed Ramos’ calls for funding to be disbursed to community organizations in order to aid with prevention.
“I express my sincere concern and hope that the individuals who were harmed by the shooting recover quickly. During this year, the state declared gun violence a public health crisis. I, along with my colleagues, supported the investment of millions in community-based violence interruption programs. This is evidence that we need that funding to be disbursed now,” González-Rojas said in a statement. “These programs are successful non-police responses by the community for the community. We also passed important gun control legislation to crack down on ghost guns, comprehensive background checks, and to create municipal gun buyback programs.”
González-Rojas said they will “continue to push for solutions that don’t perpetuate mass incarceration.”
Councilman Francisco Moya, who was born and raised in Corona, spoke at the crime scene with Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams.
“This needs to stop. The uptick in gun violence has been a reality of daily life in the outer boroughs and for communities of color,” Moya said. “This is not just a Manhattan problem and concerns about scaring away tourists. Gun violence has been plaguing the safety of our families, children and seniors. We are trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic and a gun violence pandemic.”
Moya said he’s advocating for more intervention measures for Corona, through Saturday Night Lights and Cure Violence.
“But we need help. We need to work with our local precinct and we need string, experienced leadership like Democratic mayoral candidate Eric Adams to help us truly tackle gun violence,” Moya said.
Adams called for a joint guns and gangs task force across government agencies.
His opponent, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa went to Corona with members of the Guardian Angels and urged the city to bring back “stop and frisk” to get guns off the streets.
Meanwhile, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said it was a “miracle no one was killed” in the hail of bullets.
“The violence we saw in Corona on Saturday is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our borough,” Richards said. “We are thankful that no one lost their lives in this senseless shooting, but this brazen attack shows we have to intensify our efforts to get guns off our streets and invest in the Cure Violence movement and other resources that help keep all of us safe. Next we must make sure those responsible for Saturday’s shooting are brought to justice and hope the survivors make full and speedy recoveries.”
Personalized Leather Passport Holder, Custom Travel Wallet, Genuine Leather Passport Cover- Custom Engraved Passport Wallet, Wallet for Passports
$12.99 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Jedi Order Passport Holder, Leather Passport Cover For Men, Handmade Passport Wallet, Gift for Traveler, Passport Case, Gift for Him, Boyfriend Gift, Crazy Horse Leather. Hand-stitching.
$39.99 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Gray Adventure Awaits Laser Engraved Passport Holder - Stylish Travel Accessory for Women
$16.99 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
PEGAI Personalized Leather Passport Holder Cover Wallet Travel Essentials | 100% Soft Touch Rustic Travel Wallet Case, International Travel Must Haves | DeKalb (Sand Brown)
$25.58 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Personalized Passport Holder, Handmade Travel Wallet, Passport Cover with Card and Ticket Slot, Genuine Leather, Passport Case, Wallet for Passports
$12.99 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
PEGAI Personalized Leather Passport Holder Cover Wallet Travel Essentials | 100% Soft Touch Rustic Travel Wallet Case, International Travel Must Haves | DeKalb (Rock Gray)
$25.58 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Passport Holder, Passport Cover OR Luggage Tag | Witch or Wizard, Adults, Teens, Kids and Babies
$9.99 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Personalized Passport Holder, Personalized Leather Passport Cover, Personalized Gifts, Custom Passport Holder, Wedding gifts
$9.90 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Passport Holder, Passport Cover OR Luggage Tag | Marie Kitty & Kittens 4 designs
$8.49 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Personalized Leather Passport Cover Holder and Luggage Tag Set for Women with Flower Birth and Name, Custom Engraved Passport Cover Suitcase Tag with Name | Teal
$24.95 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Divitize Purse Organizer for Artois MM Bag Organizer, Artois PM Bag Organizer, Artois MM Insert, Handmade 2mm Wool Premium Felt Insert with Silver Zipper Snug Sturdy Fit (For Artois MM, Beige)
$36.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Divitize Premium Bag Organizer fits St louis GM Bag Organizer and St Louis PM Tote Bag Insert, Handmade 2mm Wool Double Layered Base Felt, Snug Sturdy Fit with Silver Zipper (For St Louis GM, Beige)
$35.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Divitize Purse Organizer for Artois MM Bag Organizer, Artois PM Bag Organizer, Artois MM Insert, Handmade 2mm Wool Premium Felt Insert with Silver Zipper Snug Sturdy Fit (For Artois MM, Beige)
$35.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Birth Control Case Sleeve with Snap Closure and Optional Keychain Clip -Arches or rainbows
$12.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Keepall Bag Organizer for Lv Keepall 50 Insert Keepall 45 Organizer Base Shaper Handmade 3mm Premium Felt Snug Sturdy (Keepall 45, Lilac)
$39.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Divitize Premium Bag Organizer fits Saint Louis PM Bag Organizer and St Louis GM Tote Bag Insert, Handmade 2mm Double Layered Oval Shaped Felt Snug Sturdy Silver Zipper (For St Louis PM, Beige)
$35.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Divitize Premium Purse Organizer for Mini Anjou Bag Organizer Insert, fits Anjou PM Organizer, Anjou GM Insert, Handmade 2mm Thick Oval Shaped Felt Snug Sturdy Silver Zipper (For Anjou Mini, Red)
$35.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Divitize Premium Bag Organizer for Nice bb Organizer Insert, Handmade Liner Protector Fits Nice Mini Vanity PM Organizer, Nice Makeup Bag Felt Snug Sturdy Fit (Nice BB, Beige)
$35.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Personalized Wallet for Men - Top Grain Leather Wallet with Engraved Name & initial -Custom in 5 Colors & 6 Designs- Ideal Gift for Husband, Groomsman, Son, Boyfriend, Anniversaries & Christmas- USA
$24.90 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Divitize Purse Organizer for Artois MM Bag Organizer, Artois PM Bag Organizer, Artois MM Insert, Handmade 2mm Wool Premium Felt Insert with Silver Zipper Snug Sturdy Fit (For Artois PM, Beige)
$35.00 (as of November 14, 2024 01:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
StinkBalm Odor Blocker Survival Kit 2 Pack
$16.99 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Teacher Crayons Personalized Zippered Tote Bag
$32.99 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nurses Gift StinkBalm Odor Blocker Survival Kit 2 Pack
$16.99 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Southwestern Large Weekender Travel Bag Western Duffle Bag Boho Travel Bag (Diego)
$94.99 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
ROSLILY Personalized Backpacks for Girls Back To School Backpack Kids Custom Backpack With Name Patch Nylon School Backpack Gifts for Boys Toddles Students Birthday Christmas
$23.88 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Tiny Library, with shelf, handmade cedar.
$239.00 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Universal Magnetic Grime Guard Flowers - Embroidery Magnet Protector Cover for qsnap frame scroll rods any size & hoop Needle Minder Pattern Holder
$29.50 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Personalized Dance Ballet Bag Girls Boy, Toddler Kid Cute Travel Duffel Bag, Sport Duffle Bag, Gym Bag, Cheerleader Bag, Weekender Overnight Bag Gift, Chenille Letter Name, Christmas Birthday Gift
$19.99 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Leather Fanny Pack Crossbody Bags for Women Trendy Sling Bag for Women Small Crossbody Bags for Women Vacation Essentials Handbags Crossbody Purse Belt Bag Travel Backpack (Black Personalized)
$35.00 (as of November 13, 2024 01:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)