"I’m grateful that there appear to have been no fatal shootings relating to celebrations of Labor Day, J’Ouvert, and the West Indian Day Parade – festivities often associated with and blamed for violence. At the same time, even one violent incident is one too many, and my thoughts are with those injured yesterday and their families.
"It is important to recognize the successes that save lives just as we recognize the tragedies that take them, and I want to thank everyone involved in protecting New Yorkers' safety this weekend. It is equally important to be clear about the most effective efforts that have led to decreased violence on Labor Day weekend over the last two years – not the technology in the skies, but the groups on the ground. This year’s celebration showed the importance of collaborative efforts in preventing violence, in particular by community organizations, who along with law enforcement play a role in violence prevention– in helping New Yorkers be and feel safe, and not to feel unjustly suspected or surveilled. We should learn the lessons of this weekend as we move forward in co-producing public safety."
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