Councilman Yusef Salaam Calls for Reform After Harlem Shooting Injures 7-Year-Old

Councilman Yusef Salaam, a member of the Central Park Five and chair of the City Council’s public safety committee, called for urgent legislative reforms on Tuesday, November 12th, following a shooting in Harlem that left a 7-year-old girl injured. The incident, which unfolded in Salaam’s district, is being investigated as gang-related and involved two teenage suspects.

The shooting occurred in broad daylight while the victim, Fatou Keita, was with her father and older sister after finishing errands. Keita was struck in the abdomen by a stray bullet and underwent successful surgery at Harlem Hospital. Police reports indicate that the alleged shooters targeted an 18-year-old believed to be associated with the Mac Baller gang. Both suspects face attempted murder charges.

Councilman Salaam said, labeled the incident “senseless” and pledged to collaborate with the NYPD and community organizations to implement laws aimed at reducing violence. While he did not specify the proposed legislative changes, he emphasized the importance of smarter, more effective policing. “Immediate action is crucial,” Salaam stated, reiterating his commitment to holding offenders accountable.

The call for reform is notable given Salaam’s history as a wrongful conviction survivor in the 1989 Central Park jogger case. Since his exoneration and election to office, Salaam has advocated for balanced approaches to public safety, opposing over-enforcement while championing community-centered policies. However, he has faced criticism over his support of controversial legislation, such as the “How Many Stops” Act.

Fatoumata Keita, the victim’s mother, joined Salaam in urging Mayor Eric Adams to enact stricter gun control measures. “We can’t do nothing,” she said, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence on families. Her plea underscores the broader calls for addressing the root causes of violence in underserved communities like Harlem.

Councilman Salaam said, “Our office is working diligently with the NYPD and various community organizations that are committed to pursuing changes to laws that will better protect our community and hold offenders accountable.

He continued, “We recognize that immediate action is crucial, and we are reaching out to other elected officials including the Mayor’s Office, to implement policies that address the influx of violence and ensure that perpetrators are held fully responsible for their actions.”

The shooting highlights persistent challenges in tackling gang violence and gun crime in urban areas. Salaam’s leadership in addressing these issues reflects a critical moment for policy reform, aiming to balance public safety with justice and equity.