Gun Violence on the Rise, At Least 50 People Shot Over Fourth of July Weekend in NYC

Gun Violence on the Rise in NYC…

Fourth of July weekend saw a large spike in gun violence across New York City. Reports say the police made 57 gun arrests, recovered 55 firearms, and made 580 major felony busts citywide over the course of the weekend.

At a press conference on Tuesday, July 5th, in Queens, Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city is actively strategizing ways to reduce crime in all five boroughs.

Mayor Adams recognized that his administration still has a lot of work to do before New Yorkers feel safe again. However, some people are not convinced that he is trying his utmost best to reduce gun violence in the city.

A critic of Mayor Adams tweeted, “While people were getting shot all over NYC this July 4th weekend the mayor was busy taking jet ski lessons & patrolling beaches on shark patrol since he clearly has lost the war against crime on the ground.”

51 people were struck by bullets over the weekend, with 21 being shot on Monday’s holiday.

On Saturday, July 2nd, Justin Baerga was celebrating his 24th birthday at an auto body shop in Queens when he was fatally shot along with his four friends.

All victims suffered severe gun wounds, however, only Baerga died later at the hospital. Peggy Baegra, the victim’s mother, said, “No one has the right to take another person’s life.

I don’t think they think about that person’s family. Justice needs to be served. I will never be the same again. They took my heart.”

Still on Gun Violence on the Rise in NYC…

On that same Saturday, a 15-year-old boy was randomly shot in his right arm in the early hours of the morning while walking in his neighborhood. He was transferred to Jacobi Hospital to recover from his fatal wound. 

The gun violence outbreaks continued into the afternoon hours of Saturday. Melvin Urena, a 19-year-old boy was targeted randomly and pushed off his scooter. He was shot multiple times and died on the scene.

On Monday, July 4th, in Belmont at approximately 10:30 pm, John Edwards was shot by a stray bullet while sitting outside with friends.

Edwards, whose nickname was “Grandfather of the Block,” died on the scene from his injuries. Rachel Sanchez, who has been a friend of Edwards since the age of 10, held him as he succumbed to his injuries.

She commented that “He will be missed.” Friends and family of the deceased commented that Edwards’ death was the final straw, with neighbors telling the Post they will be leaving the neighborhood due to the rising crime level.

A 34-year-old man, who got into a fight inside a bodega, was shot in the chest and face. He died from his injuries. 

In Mayor Adams’ Tuesday press conference, he said, “We are making the right adjustments. We are moving in the right direction and we’re going to win this battle.”

Kathy Hochul expressed on Wednesday, July 6th, that she is determined to reduce gun violence and maintain safety across all communities.

Hochul added that “Like all New Yorkers, I’m heartbroken over the horrific shootings in New York City this past weekend, and I will continue fighting for tough gun safety laws, investments in gun violence prevention, combating the spread of illegal guns, and strengthening public safety in every community in our state.”

The surge in gun violence in New York City follows the United States Supreme Court ruling overturning a 100-year-old gun law that heavily restricted the ability to receive a gun license and carry weapons in the state.