“This July 4th weekend, was a critical reminder of the ongoing gun violence that has taken over our streets, taking lives and leaving far too many families mourning across our nation, our city, and right here in our Borough. We must continue to work at all levels of government to see immediate change and to stop the violence in our communities,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

“Here in the Bronx, on July 1st, two men were shot in broad daylight within an hour of each other. Nineteen-year-old Melvin Urena, was killed while on his scooter across from 429 East 156th Street. Later, 37-year-old Victor Fertides from Harlem, died after being gunned down on Ogden Avenue near 176th Street. On July 4th, 62-year-old John Edwards, an innocent bystander, was fatally shot in front of his neighbors with two others also sustaining injuries from the gunfire.”

She continued, “While I applaud Governor Hochul’s decision to pass landmark legislation strengthening New York’s gun laws, coupled with new State laws restricting the use and purchase of firearms, we continue to grieve the deaths of our neighbors. These occurrences call for our continued commitment to protecting New Yorkers and restoring peace on our streets.”