July 30, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week, I announced hate crime charges in two separate cases involving attacks on people of Asian descent and members of the Muslim community.

Acts of hate will not be tolerated in Queens County, where our diversity is our greatest strength. My Office will continue to protect the many vibrant cultures of this borough by investigating and prosecuting hate-inspired crimes.
 
Education is also key to combating racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and other bias-based offenses. For this reason, I applaud Congresswoman Grace Meng, who recently secured millions of dollars to help implement her COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which President Biden signed into law in May. These funds will be provided directly to community-based organizations to bolster programs that engage, empower, and educate communities.

Our Hate Crimes Bureau works closely with law enforcement, elected officials, and non-profit organizations to foster positive ties and increase understanding of different cultures and customs within the most diverse county in the nation. Together, we will continue our efforts to ensure a safe borough for all those who live, work, and visit Queens County.
In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
In The Courts
  • Queens man indicted for attempted kidnapping of 5-year-old boy snatched from sidewalk within feet of mother
  • Man charged with vehicular homicide and DWI in crash that killed mother and daughter and injured his passengers
  • Queens resident sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing 26-year-old in Cambria Heights shooting
Queens Community Justice Center
The Queens Community Justice Center (QCJC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the expansion of its programming to people of all ages. Formerly known as the Queens Youth Justice Center, QCJC works with people both in and outside the justice system, providing a range of support services and opportunities.

This expansion is a milestone victory for our borough and represents a key investment in a fairer justice system. Safe communities require strong, dedicated programs to lift us up, to lift our youth, and they require programs that excel at prevention and redemption. My Office is proud to partner with QCJC, whose work keeps people out of the criminal justice system and helps build thriving communities.
Youth Development and Crime Prevention
As a reminder, the deadline for applications for proposals to implement the Queens DA's Youth Development and Crime Prevention project has been extended to September 24, 2021.

The work solicited in this request will provide youth activities and wrap around services as part of a more holistic approach to helping young people reduce criminal justice involvement and increase engagement in recreational, academic and career development activities.

I urge all those who are interested to visit https://queensda.org/special-initiatives/ for additional information and application download.
Asking for Information
Our Cold Case Unit is the first in Queens dedicated entirely to investigating and solving the borough’s oldest and most challenging unresolved homicide cases.

Take a moment to look through some of our active cases and help us bring long-awaited justice for the victims and their loved ones: https://queensda.org/cold-cases/

If you have any information, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers. All tips are confidential!
New and Improved Public Library in Rego Park
This week's design unveiling for the new Rego Park branch of the Queens Public Library represents a celebration of a victory that was 30 years in the making. I am proud to have played a role by allocating $12 million in funding for the new branch during my tenure as the Borough President.

It was an exciting moment to join Library President Dennis Walcott, NYC Department of Design and Construction, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Council Member Karen Koslowitz, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, State Senator Joe Addabbo, Queens Community Board 6 and community members, all of whom were instrumental in the fight for this soon to be state-of-the-art facility. The expansion of the Rego Park branch represents a substantial investment in the future of this growing community.
Richmond Hill Mosque Visit
Following recent attacks on members of the Muslim community, I visited the Masjid Al Abidin Mosque in Richmond Hill to speak about our efforts to safeguard their community from hate-crimes.

Identifying the needs of our Muslim communities has been a consistent priority for my Office and I thank Imam Safraz Baccus for his partnership.
Second Annual Peace Treaty
Our Community Partnership Division took part in the second annual Far Rockaway Peace Treaty event, which took place this past weekend. Hosted by community organization, A Father’s Love, the Treaty brought together local representatives, anti-violence activists and cure violence groups to promote peace and unity.
Domestic Violence Resource
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly hampered efforts to reach victims of domestic violence. That is why our helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The helpline also offers the option of connecting to an Assistant District Attorney, or to a social service provider.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, don't hesitate to contact our Office. We are here to help.