Senator Proposes Stop-and-Frisk Measure Amid NYC Shooting Aftermath
Senator John Kennedy has proposed reinstating the stop-and-frisk strategy in New York City as part of the solution to escalating gun violence, rather than advocating for stricter gun laws.
This statement from the Louisiana Republican comes in the wake of a tragic incident where a gunman attacked a Midtown skyscraper on Monday, resulting in the death of an NYPD officer and three other individuals.
During a segment on Fox News, Kennedy expressed condolences for the victims, acknowledging the likelihood that calls for enhanced gun control will arise among lawmakers following this incident.
"On Capitol Hill, starting tomorrow, we will likely hear demands from some colleagues for more gun control legislation," Kennedy mentioned during his appearance on Sean Hannity’s program. He emphasized that numerous existing laws already regulate firearms, suggesting, "We have hundreds—possibly thousands—of gun control regulations. What we truly require is better control over those who misuse firearms, though I’m not sure how to achieve that."
The shooter, named Shane Tamura, 27, entered the 44-story building housing the NFL and Blackstone with a rifle around 6:30 p.m. He began his assault in the lobby and ultimately took his own life after the rampage.
"I do not wish to hear any sympathy for this individual who committed these acts," Kennedy remarked, further stating, "Today, we witnessed an unmistakable manifestation of evil. I feel deep sorrow for the victims."
In addition to advocating for stop-and-frisk, Kennedy noted that New York must confront whether to employ more assertive policing techniques, stating, "The issue of whether to reintegrate more proactive stop-and-frisk tactics would need careful consideration, as it is a lawful method of law enforcement."
Timeline of the Midtown Shooting
- 6:28 p.m.: Reports of gunfire at 345 Park Avenue begin flooding in.
- 6:30 p.m.: Tamura is captured on surveillance emerging from a black BMW parked improperly, armed with an M4 rifle.
- He walks into the skyscraper’s lobby, shooting police officer Didarul Islam, 36.
- A woman in the lobby is shot while attempting to hide behind a pillar, as he continues to fire, also killing a security guard at his desk.
- Another individual is injured in the lobby but is reported to be in critical yet stable condition.
- The shooter lets one woman exit the elevators unharmed before ascending to the 33rd floor, discharging his weapon and fatally shooting another man before turning the gun on himself.
- The duration of the chaos remains uncertain; law enforcement assured that the scene was secured by 7:52 p.m., confirming that the shooter had been neutralized.
In a separate response, Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) condemned the “tragic and horrifying” shooting.
"The loss of a courageous officer and several innocent lives is a devastation," the House Minority Leader stated. "We extend our condolences to their families and express our appreciation for the valor of the law enforcement personnel and first responders who bravely confronted danger to assist others."
He added that the prevalence of mass shootings represents a societal plague, indicating a dire need for comprehensive solutions to the epidemic of gun violence now impacting New York City.
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