September 10, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It is difficult to fathom that tomorrow marks the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Although two decades have passed, that day is forever etched in our memories as having a profound impact on the lives of those who live and work in our borough, city, state and country.

Twenty times since, we have reflected in memory of the thousands of lives taken from us on that day and those we have lost since, to 9/11 related illnesses.

Twenty years later, we still feel the weight of human tragedy from these attacks. The heavy toll of the innocent taken from us. And in the wake of catastrophe, the heroism that followed.

I have the privilege of hosting a  ceremony for members of my office staff later today - an intimate gathering to honor those we lost, and a tribute to the countless heroes who answered the call for help in the days, weeks and months that followed.

In the depths of those darkest hours, our neighbors and fellow service members performed acts of courage that touched our lives and shaped the course of our recovery, re-affirming the strength of the character of our city and borough.

As we reflect on 9/11, let us remember the moments that prove what we know to be forever true: No act of terror can break the strength of our nation.
In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
In The Courts
  • Disgruntled client indicted on murder charges in stabbing death of Queens lawyer
  • Queens man who filed 13 phony unemployment claims to collect COVID relief funds charged with grand larceny
Seeking Justice
I was joined by the NYPD Chief of Department Rodney Harrison in announcing an indictment in the 2019 killing of 14-year-old Aamir Griffin. The defendant, a reputed gang member, allegedly sought to shoot and kill a rival on the basketball courts at Baisley Park Houses when he mistook the victim for his intended target.

The death of Aamir Griffin, a promising young student and athlete, hit our community particularly hard. Aamir Griffin left behind family and friends who are still reeling from this loss. After a thorough investigation, the alleged killer now faces justice in our Courts.
Enhancing Youth Development and Crime Prevention
As a weekly reminder, the deadline for applications for proposals to implement the Queens DA's Youth Development and Crime Prevention project is 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. You may visit https://queensda.org/special-initiatives/ for additional information and application download.
Asking For Information
As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the death of four family members in Jamaica, Queens. This week marked 18 years since they were found murdered in their own home.

If you have any information, we urge you to contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS. All calls are confidential!
Supporting Our Young People
It was a pleasure to stop by and speak to the participants of the Jumpstart Career Program at Greater Springfield Community Church this week. The program is designed to engage students in job readiness training with the hope to decrease violence and violent crime from occurring throughout the neighborhood.

Investment in our youth is an investment in public safety. Thank you to Pastor Phil Craig for spearheading this wonderful initiative for the youth in the community.
Empowering Girls and Young Women
Members of our Community Engagement Bureau joined Girls Set The Ground Rules organization for a street festival and back to school giveaway over Labor Day weekend.

This girls empowerment organization works with the youth to identify and resolve the underlying issues of negative behavior in the classroom. We were proud to partner with them for their 1st community fair by handing out fraud prevention tips, flyers with important phone numbers, and anti-bullying coloring books to children and families in the Bricktown area.
Providing Back to School Supplies
The start of public school is only a few days away and we want to make sure that our students have the supplies they need for a productive school year.

This week, our Office participated in a Back to School event which was hosted by the NYPD Queens Patrol North in Corona.

Later today, from 1-3pm, you can catch us at 12-50 Redfern Avenue in Far Rockaway for a Back to School supplies giveaway hosted by the Women of NYCHA.
Helping The Immigrant Population
Immigration issues bring unique challenges to the criminal justice system. That is why our Office of Immigrant Affairs serves as a guide through the legal system, regardless of your status.

If you need assistance, or would like to find out additional information, contact us at 718-286-6690 or email OIA@queensda.org. We're here to help.