Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement In Response to Harlem Mass Shooting

NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement in response to this weekend's mass shooting in Harlem that resulted in the death of college basketball star Darius Lee and injured eight others.

“My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Darius Lee— a fine gentleman, scholar, and rising star basketball player for Houston Baptist University who was killed in his hometown of Harlem last night due to senseless gun violence," said Espaillat. "Darius was loved by his family, friends, community, and teammates and I demand that justice be brought to his untimely death.

"My thoughts are also with the gunshot victims who suffered injuries as a result of the mass shooting that shook our community last night heading into the early morning. Gun violence is a national public health crisis, and I urge my Senate colleagues to move swiftly in enacting legislation that will help prevent future mass shootings.

"This afternoon I spoke with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the New York Police Department’s Manhattan North Deputy Chief of Police Olufunmilola 'Lola' Obe—and they both have assured me that an investigation is ongoing and that they are working to apprehend the shooters. Community leaders will issue a community response soon.

"I strongly urge anyone who may have witnessed the mass shooting to come forward and help bring the suspects responsible to justice. Anyone with information regarding the mass shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential. The Harlem community and the nation mourns this grave loss.”