Save Mount Vernon calls for immediate action to curb city's gun violence

The advocacy group says it does not think the mayor has made a strong enough plan to address gun violence.

News 12 Staff

Jun 10, 2023, 12:28 AM

Updated 321 days ago

Share:

A Mount Vernon advocacy group once again called for immediate action over the city's gun violence.
The organization Save Mount Vernon gathered Friday night at the steps of City Hall.
They said they do not think Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard has made a strong enough plan when it comes to addressing gun violence.
"In three years, the mayor has failed. No clear plan to combat crime and violence in the city called the jewel of Westchester," said Jessie Van Lew, the cofounder of Save Mount Vernon.
There have been three homicides in Mount Vernon since the start of the year.
"Right now, we have a year to date 66% rise in fire alarm related assaults in the City of Mount Vernon," said Nick Mastrogiorgio, of the Mount Vernon PBA.
Patterson-Howard responded in a statement. She said in part, "The City of Mount Vernon has demonstrated a willingness to listen and discuss public safety efforts, specifically regarding gun violence efforts with Save Mount Vernon, and they have not made themselves available."
She continued to say, "The city remains committed to engaging with community organizations about fostering collaboration for the betterment of our city."
Van Lew said what Patterson-Howard is calling on is too little, too late.
"We need Shots Spotters, we need cameras in the hot spots, we need license plate readers, these are all the things we need. So now she's talking because it's election time," Van Lew said.
The rallying cry comes weeks before the June 27 Primary Election Day.
The violence concerns will be a big consideration for Mount Vernon voters, considering Patterson-Howard is on the ballot.


More from News 12
Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

2:10
Late-day showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley; chance of thunderstorm for Sunday

Late-day showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley; chance of thunderstorm for Sunday

Mother and daughter from Mount Vernon sentenced in pandemic-relief fraud scheme

Mother and daughter from Mount Vernon sentenced in pandemic-relief fraud scheme

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:53
Officials call for no-show Orange County legislator to step down after missing meetings for two years

Officials call for no-show Orange County legislator to step down after missing meetings for two years

0:34
Yonkers police: Man wanted for failing to appear in court for car break-in charges

Yonkers police: Man wanted for failing to appear in court for car break-in charges

1:57
White Plains dispensary pays it forward, spends green on legal help

White Plains dispensary pays it forward, spends green on legal help

0:49
Gov. Hochul signs $10 million literacy plan into law

Gov. Hochul signs $10 million literacy plan into law

0:28
Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige, Pepsi team up to help women in the city

Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige, Pepsi team up to help women in the city

0:32
Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

2:13
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

2:04
Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

1:35
 White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

0:21
Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

0:31
Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

0:23
New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

2:16
New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

0:26
Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

0:23
Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held