Brooklyn, N.Y. – New York State Assembly Member Brian A. Cunningham (D-Brooklyn), the author of A.4571, the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Act, held a press conference highlighting the need to immediately pass the bill following the murder of 13-year-old Troy Gill. The Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Act categorizes gun violence and other forms of violence as a crisis, ensuring appropriate funding for community and hospital-based anti-violence initiatives.

The recent rash of three shootings in one week across Crown Heights highlighted the urgent need to pass the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Act. The legislation creates a stable funding source for hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) and community-based violence intervention programs (CBVIPs) through the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). These evidenced-based early interventions are proven to interrupt cycles of violence, specifically gun violence, by stepping in following violent clashes to prevent anticipatory and retaliatory events.Continuous, sustainable funding is vital for HVIPs and CBVIPs work and has been proven to be critical to its efficacy.

“I am once again heartbroken by the violence that has gripped the Crown Heights community throughout the last week. We cannot sit back and accept the status quo of shootings and killings that devastate families and feed cycles of violence in Black and brown communities. Having worked closely with violence interrupters, both as Director of S.O.S. Crown Heights and as a member of the Assembly, I know that these brilliant and dedicated community members can save lives if we provide them with the resources they need,” said Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham. “That is why I am calling on my colleagues to immediately pass the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Act. We owe it to the victims, their families, and all members of our community to act before the next tragedy strikes.”

“My heart breaks for Troy and his family. A child being murdered in our neighborhood is entirely unacceptable and symptomatic of deep, longstanding problems the government is obligated to solve. Tragedy like this, which wounds our community, cannot be allowed to be seen as normal. I thank Assembly Member Cunningham for his leadership in this area, deeply understanding what Black boys are faced with and working to build the Crown Heights we deserve,” said Councilmember Chi Osse.

"I am devastated by the three recent gun-related deaths in Crown Heights. Gun violence is a public health hazard to our community, said Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest.“I am committed to working with my colleagues in the legislature to ensure that our state is supporting the victims and families of gun violence through the Community Violence Intervention Act and other critical programs."

Gun violence has significantly impacted the Crown Heights community for years, devastating families and feeding a climate of fear and uncertainty that dramatically reduces residents’ quality of life.

"The loss of 13-year-old Troy Gill to gun violence is a tragedy that will take time for our community to heal from. But we have the opportunity to build a better future for all young people now," says Anthony Rowe, Project Director of Neighbors in Action. "Investing in community-based violence interruption work is essential to building safety for everyone."

“Troy Gill, a 13-year-old traveling home from a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center with a family member, was the latest victim in a spate of shootings that took place in Crown Heights. Troy Gill’s murder was the third fatality last week, making this one of the deadliest weeks for Crown Heights residents in 2024. Gun violence has become a public health crisis affecting unlikely targets like Troy Gill, a 13-year-old; Lamin Bah, a father of three; and Nazim Berry, a Bodega worker,” said Ramik Jamar Williams, Co-Executive Director, Kings Against Violence Initiative.

The Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Act requires that $10 million or 10% of the VOCA Fund be distributed to HVIPs and CBVIPs to ensure preventative gun violence programs are adequately funded and protect community residents.