Brooklyn, NY - Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

I am saddened and horrified by today's shooting at the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn. My prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

The parade is a beautiful display of culture and community that I have been honored to attend over the years, including this year. Every American should be able to celebrate their heritage without the threat of gun violence.

No one in Brooklyn, New York or America is safe until we get weapons of war off our streets. America cannot be the best version of herself until we crush the scourge of gun violence once and for all.