Area pols hold anti-crime rally in Astoria

Queens Chronicle wrote about the anti-crime rally in Astoria where Senator Gianaris and other elected officials spoke out against the recent string of crime, such as robberies and groping incidents. The senator's proposed expansion of the Good Samaritan laws to businesses would allow for organizations to protect victims without worrying about libel suits.

In an effort to crack down on the increasing number of criminal activities that have occurred in certain parts of Astoria, state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) and Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) called a rally on Wednesday, which also drew several community leaders and activists and a group of senior citizens who are concerned about the safety of the neighborhood.

[...]

Gianaris announced he is introducing legislation expanding on Good Samaritan laws. The changes would free organizations from libel suits surrounding damages or injuries that may occur if they offer themselves as safe havens to individuals who feel victimized or at risk.

“We’re here to say we’re going to do whatever is in our power to stop it,” he said of the surge in crime.

Read the full article here.