Criminal Justice

Politicians & Gun Control Activists Hail Passage of Additional New York State Gun Control Bills into Law

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Alongside gunshot survivor, gun control activist, and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, New York government officials, and other gun safety advocates, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into State law a new package of six bills on Wednesday, Oct. 9, which elected officials say will strengthen New York’s gun laws, by taking action against dangerous “pistol convertors,” by requiring gun sellers to post tobacco-style safety warnings on their products, and by providing other new tools and resources to help protect more New Yorkers from gun violence. 

Maria Springer-Torres Announced as New First Deputy Mayor, Replacing Sheena Wright

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday, Oct. 8, that Maria Torres-Springer, deputy mayor for housing, economic development, and workforce, will become the next first deputy mayor, replacing  following former First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who resigned on Tuesday, as reported. It comes amid the ongoing turmoil at City Hall surrounding the recently announced federal bribery charges brought against Adams, which has shaken the Adams administration to its core. The mayor pled not guilty to the charges on Sept. 27 and has moved to dismiss the case.

UPDATE Former City Hall Official Mohamed Bahi Charged with Witness Tampering, Destruction of Evidence

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Federal prosecutors unsealed a criminal complaint on Tuesday, Oct. 8, charging former New York City Hall official Mohamed Bahi with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection with “a federal investigation of unlawful contributions to a particular 2021 mayoral campaign.” Bahi, a senior Muslim liaison to Mayor Eric Adams, resigned on Monday, Oct. 7, according to reporting from the NY Daily News.