Questions raised over logistics of party linked to killing

<p>The fatal shooting of a 27-year-old male following a public party at Hutchinson Field over the weekend spurred concerns over the party’s logistics, police attendance and permission for alcohol. </p>

News 12 Staff

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Jul 20, 2017, 2:08 AM

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Updated 2,477 days ago

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The fatal shooting of a 27-year-old male following a public party at Hutchinson Field over the weekend spurred concerns over the party’s logistics, police attendance and permission for alcohol.

The Mount Vernon business owner who hosted the public party, Igloo 2017, at Hutchinson Field tells News 12 he submitted a letter to the Recreation Department prior to the party, requesting police assistance.

“I'm not blaming anyone for what happened,” said Nhakia Barcoo, the party’s host. “But I was expecting the police presence to be there, and [at] the end of the party to make sure everyone went home safely."

Barcoo says he hired 43 security guards, some of whom were armed. He went on to note that nothing dangerous happened on the premises.

Meanwhile, the recreation commissioner Darren Morton says that he received no notification that there would be alcohol at the party, though coolers were permitted.

While News 12 is told the party was ultimately authorized by the mayor, several City Council members say they plan to fight for the prohibition of the bring-your-own-alcohol concept at large public gatherings.