Mayor calls for federal, state help to combat gun violence following 10-year-old's death

In the wake of this weekend's shooting that killed a 10-year-old boy in Queens, Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling on the federal and state government for help.

News 12 Staff

Jun 7, 2021, 5:54 PM

Updated 1,223 days ago

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In the wake of this weekend's shooting that killed a 10-year-old boy in Queens, Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling on the federal and state government for help.
Justin Wallace was in his home in the Rockaways late Saturday night when police say someone started shooting into it, striking and killing the 10-year-old.
De Blasio says that while gun arrests are up 28% from last year, more is needed to fight gun violence - such as expanding ShotSpotter, growing youth employment and focusing patrols on the top 100 blocks that have seen gun violence.
The mayor also touched on parole reform. He says there's bipartisan support at the state level to provide transitional jobs, transitional housing and access to health care and mental health services to state parolees.
"The facts are clear. State parolees are more likely to be shooting suspects than they have been in the past. They are four times more likely to be involved in gun violence than others who have been involved in the criminal justice system. We see a specific problem, and we can do something about it," de Blasio said. 
State Assembly Member Maritza Davila is currently working to introduce a state bill that she says will guarantee a comprehensive program of services for anyone on parole to help them become productive members of society.