BREAKING NEWS REPORT: Information from what was obtained on scene and radio reports. If and when official information becomes available the story will be updated and corrected.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:30 pm Trenton Police, Paramedics and TEMS were detailed to the 900 Block of East State Street for a shooting. Reports of one man shot multiple times and that police applied a tourniquet prior to EMS arrival. The male was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Trenton Police is investigating the shooting.
MidJersey.News has reached out for official information and if it becomes available the story will be updated.
CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORIES ON CITY OF TRENTON 2020 SHOOTINGS, GUN VIOLENCE, STABBINGS AND HOMICIDES HERE:
And the list grows: Other Recent Trenton Shooting and Homicide Stories:(There has been a lot more gun violence, stabbings and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Since the Trenton Puerto Rican Parade and its associated events have been canceled for 2020 the Parade’s Executive Board held a flag raising ceremony today at City Hall.
The Puerto Rican flag was raised over city hall to show that the community is united to support those in the city who are struggling during the pandemic.
The Trenton Puerto Rican Parade will return next year, bigger, stronger and better than ever.
• Always lock your vehicles, even when driving • Never leave your keys or key fob in the car • Close all the windows and the sunroof when parked • Do not leave items of value in plain view in the vehicle • Never leave your car running and unattended • Park your car in well-lit areas, use motion lights whenever possible
July 31, 2020
POINT PLEASANT, NJ (OCEAN)–On Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at approximately 03:00am Point Pleasant Beach Patrol Officers Bryan Benites and David Marchetti were patrolling an area of town that has experienced a series of motor vehicle thefts recently. Officer Benites approached two (2) suspicious vehicles on Woodland Ave driving at a slow rate of speed. Officer David Marchetti pointed a spot light on one of the vehicles, and at that point both vehicles accelerated quickly out of the area. Officer Benites initiated a pursuit of both vehicles, and was quickly joined by Officer Tyler Zukowitz. Officers pursued the vehicles through Bay Head and into Mantoloking. During this pursuit one vehicle struck a Mantoloking Police cruiser before becoming disabled. The officer was not injured, but the police vehicle sustained heavy front end damage from the collision. The second suspect vehicle crashed into parked cars on Lagoon Lane in Mantoloking. After the vehicles became disabled all suspects fled on foot.
A perimeter was quickly established, and with the assistance of Mantoloking, Bay Head, Brick Township, Point Pleasant Borough, OC K9 Unit and the OC Sheriff’s Department Officers the four (4) subjects were taken into custody.
The four suspects were identified as:
1. Isaiah Seabrooks; age 20; from East Orange, NJ, charged with three (3) counts of Theft, three (3) counts of Burglary, Conspiracy to commit theft, Aggravated Assault, and Eluding. 2. Quadir Brown; age 20; from Newark, NJ, charged with three (3) counts of Theft, three (3) counts of Burglary, and Conspiracy to commit theft. 3. Jamal Walker, age 22; from Newark, NJ, charged with three (3) counts of Theft, three counts of Burglary, and Conspiracy to commit theft. 4. Joseph Amos Jr.; age 23, from Newark NJ, charged with three (3) counts of Theft, three (3) counts of Burglary, Conspiracy to commit theft, and Providing False Information to Law Enforcement.
All four suspects were processed at headquarters and transported to Ocean County Jail pending future court proceedings. All four suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
During the course of this investigation, led by Detective Andrew Meany, officers determined that the four subjects traveled from Newark, NJ with the intent to commit motor vehicle thefts. A total of three stolen vehicles have been recovered by this Department in the area that officers initially encountered the subjects. This remains to be an active investigation, and if anyone has further information they are encouraged to contact Point Pleasant Beach Police Detective Andrew Meany or Detective Derek O’Neill @ 732-892-0500.
Over the last several months, Ocean and Monmouth Counties have seen an increase in stolen vehicles, especially those that are unsecured with their key fobs left inside the vehicle. During the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 28th, 2020, two separate vehicles were stolen in Point Pleasant Beach. Both vehicles have been recovered in Newark, NJ.
At this time, it appears that the keys or key fobs were left in these vehicles. During this time that we all have our minds on COVID-19, criminals are using this opportunity to engage in scams or other criminal conduct. The Police Department is reminding residents and visitors to:
• Always lock your vehicles, even when driving • Never leave your keys or key fob in the car • Close all the windows and the sunroof when parked • Do not leave items of value in plain view in the vehicle • Never leave your car running and unattended • Park your car in well-lit areas, use motion lights whenever possible
Do not be part of this statistic. Over 770,000 drivers fall victim to vehicle theft each year. In fact, a vehicle is stolen about every 41 seconds in America. If you follow these simple guidelines, you can avoid being victimized by this senseless criminal activity.
Chief Joseph Michigan stated, “I am very proud of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism exhibited by all officers involved in this incident. Four subjects with extensive criminal histories were apprehended quickly by our officers. Let this message serve as a reminder to anyone who decides to come to this area to commit a crime.”
As always, we ask the public to assist us in helping resolve these issues by immediately calling the police department (732) 892-0500 if you see anything suspicious. The timely flow of information is vital to help officers address an incident as it unfolds.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Starting Monday August 3, 2020 Mercer County will be in the process of repaving Hamilton Avenue between Cypress Lane and Newkirk Avenue.
MVC Licensing Centers to Offer Testing by Appointment Only
July 31, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission announced today that driver knowledge exams, also known as “written” driver tests, will be available to all drivers, including commercial drivers, by appointment starting August 3. All Licensing Centers except Oakland and Flemington will offer the tests.Appointments can be made up to thirty days in advance, at https://mymvc.state.nj.us/apps/schedule-knowledge-test-appointment.html.
Customers are cautioned that demand will be high, so it may take time to secure an appointment.Road tests, which re-started June 29, continue on a by-appointment basis. More information about road tests is available at the MVC website.
For more MVC news and updates, customers should visit NJMVC.gov
JACKSON, NJ (0CEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that James Hirsch, 49, of Jackson Township, was charged with Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a.
Hirsch served as President of the Jackson Youth Football and Cheerleading Organization from December 2016 through March 2018. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Unit and Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau conducted an investigation after they received information regarding Hirsch’s mishandling of the league’s finances. Further investigation revealed that Hirsch was utilizing funds from the league account, including the misuse of a league-owned ATM card for personal expenses, and that he misappropriated funds exceeding $8000. Hirsch was taken into custody and processed without incident, and released on a summons pending a future court date.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Jackson Township Police Department for their diligent efforts investigating this matter. “This individual violated the trust of the many families and children who comprise the Jackson Youth Football and Cheerleading Organization,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Rather than leading the organization with honesty and integrity, he betrayed the faith and confidence that was placed in him by using the league as his own personal piggy bank. This type of exploitation – stealing from kids and their families – will not be tolerated,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
The press and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
James Hirsch, 49, of Jackson Township
James Hirsch, 49, of Jackson Township, was charged with Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a.
WESTAMPTON, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Kevin Stover, 27, of Philadephia, PA and seized a handgun and various drugs and cash during a traffic stop.
On Tuesday, July 28, at 7:28 p.m., Trooper Daniel Deverin stopped Stover for a traffic violation on Interstate 295 southbound at milepost 45.4 in Westampton Township, Burlington County. During the stop, Tpr. Deverin determined that Stover was under the influence and arrested him for DWI. While conducting a search of the vehicle, troopers discovered a 9mm handgun, a high capacity magazine, $6,000 worth of marijuana, $2,400 worth of promethazine codeine, $2,000 worth of ecstacy, $825 worth of precription legend drugs, $350 worth of hashish, $60 worth of heroin, and $963 cash.
Kevin Stover was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, certain persons not to have weapons, possession of prohibited weapons and devices, unlawful possesion of a weapon, possession of a weapon while committing a CDS offense, possession of heroin, possession of hashish, possession of ecstacy, possession of marijuana, three counts of possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of hypodermic needles, criminal under the influence, and DWI.
Stover was lodged at the Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A two vehicle accident occurred at mile marker 63 north bound inner car lanes at 8:05 pm. The NJ State Police and the Robbinsville Township Fire Department responded. Traffic was backed up over two miles in the north bound lanes and NJ State Police pushed vehicles out of the way to reopen the Turnpike. When Robbinsville firefighters and EMS arrived they checked for injures, one person was evaluated on scene. No further information was available about the accident.
Crash on New Jersey Turnpike inner roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) 2 Right Lanes blocked 2 1/2 mile delay https://t.co/BNRqdoNJ79
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Hundreds rallied at the New Jersey State House in the 95F heat wave to protest against Governor Phil Murphy’s lock down executive orders. The rally featured Ian Smith the Atilis Gym Owner who has battled with the executive orders trying to reopen his gym. Currently the gym is locked closed by the State of NJ but Smith vows to reopen his gym despite the orders. Other speakers were Senator Joe Pennacchio, Dr. Andy Wakefield, Drs. Teri and Stu Warner, Patti Finn Esq., Alya Wolf, Kevin Jenkins, Stephanie Locricchio, Dr. Liam Schubel, Shilamida and Ben Riviera, and more spoke at today’s rally. Many protesters tried to find shade off to the sides of the building in the 95F heat as they listened to the speakers.
See photo gallery below of today’s event:
Hundreds rallied in the 95F heat at the NJ State House to protest Governor Phil Murphy’s executive orders.
Michael Owens, 28, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon.
According to the New Jersey Department of Corrections website, Owens was released on parole from state prison on June 1, 2020.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force has filed murder charges against Michael Owens for the July 17, 2020 shooting death of Luis X. Gonzalez.
Owens, 28, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon. He was served his complaints at the Mercer County Correction Center where has been held since July 24 after he was taken into custody for aggravated assault and theft by unlawful taking. Owens was charged with these offenses in Hamilton Township on July 17. According to the New Jersey Department of Corrections website, Owens was released on parole from state prison on June 1, 2020.
The prosecutor’s office has filed a detention motion in the murder case. Owens is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, August 3, for a detention hearing on the Hamilton assault charges.
The murder charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force.
On July 17, 2020, just before 9 p.m., Trenton police received calls for shots fired and a male shot in the middle of the street in the 1000 block of South Broad Street. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, later identified as 37-year-old Gonzalez, in the middle of the street suffering from multiple gunshots to the torso. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
On July 17, 2020, just before 9 p.m., Trenton police received calls for shots fired and a male shot in the middle of the street in the 1000 block of South Broad Street. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, later identified as 37-year-old Gonzalez, in the middle of the street suffering from multiple gunshots to the torso. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. — MIDJERSEY.NEWS FILE PHOTO
The investigation revealed that the victim was at home in his South Broad Street residence just prior to being shot. He left his house while on his cell phone and was shot shortly thereafter.
The victim’s cell phone was recovered by hospital staff and turned over to police. Investigation revealed that a cell phone number repeatedly contacted Gonzalez in the hour before and immediately prior to his murder. Officers also recovered .380 caliber shell casings at the scene of the shooting.
Detectives were able to locate numerous cameras in the area of the shooting and ascertain that Gonzalez walked directly from the area in front of his residence toward a vehicle and was shot several seconds later. Based on the video, the vehicle appeared to be a black Chevy Malibu which had recently been reported stolen in Hamilton. Investigation into the stolen vehicle led homicide detectives to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Hamilton on July 17, 2020. This incident involved an argument between Owens and his girlfriend that became physical. Owens placed his hand around his girlfriend’s neck in an attempt to stop the blood circulation. When the victim was able to escape his grasp, Owens fled the residence and took her cell phone so she couldn’t contact the police. Further investigation revealed the reason for the altercation was that Owens discovered Gonzalez’s number in his girlfriend’s phone and confronted her about it. The victim’s mother is the registered owner of a black Chevy Malibu and Owens also took the keys to the vehicle when he left the house. Images obtained during the homicide investigation confirm distinctive features of this Malibu match those of the Malibu involved in Gonzalez’s murder.
Detectives were also able to obtain surveillance video from the Roadrunner Gas Station on Brunswick Avenue from July 17, approximately 25 minutes before the murder, when the Chevy Malibu pulled in for gas. Owens was positively identified as the driver who exited the vehicle.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On July 17, 2020, just before 9 p.m., Trenton police received calls for shots fired and a male shot in the middle of the street in the 1000 block of South Broad Street. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, later identified as 37-year-old Gonzalez, in the middle of the street suffering from multiple gunshots to the torso. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. MIDJERSEY.NEWS FILE PHOTOS
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force has filed murder charges against Michael Owens for the July 17, 2020 shooting death of Luis X. Gonzalez.
CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORIES ON CITY OF TRENTON 2020 SHOOTINGS, GUN VIOLENCE, STABBINGS AND HOMICIDES HERE:
And the list grows: Other Recent Trenton Shooting and Homicide Stories:(There has been a lot more gun violence, stabbings and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)
Administration’s Success in Unfreezing Federal Grants Helped Bridge Funding Gap
July 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today held a groundbreaking event to showcase Trenton’s latest housing project, which will create 72 units of affordable and sustainable housing units in North Trenton in the Fall of 2021.
“We are turning a once vacant lot into affordable homes for over 70 Trenton families,” said Mayor Gusciora. “As a result of our success in restoring Trenton as a trustworthy steward of federal grants, we’ve been able to unfreeze millions of dollars in funding, including $800,000 in HUD Home Investment Partnerships money that helped push financing for this project over the finish line.”
The Patriot Village II project will include 11 one-bedroom units, 42 two-bedroom units, and 19 three-bedroom units, including housing reserved for homeless residents, with a preference for veterans. Every floor will include laundry facilities and each unit will include stainless steel appliances, high efficiency lighting systems, and open floor plans.
Trenton receives three entitlement grants each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the Emergency Solutions Grant, and the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
For years, these grants were frozen because of concerns that the city couldn’t properly manage the funds. Now that the administration has put in place the appropriate staff, consultants, partners, and expertise, those funds are once again at the city’s disposal. In April 2020, the city was able to use $800,000 in HOME funding to bridge the funding gap required for Patriot Village II project.
Bank of America will provide $18.3 million in construction financing and $14 million in low income housing tax credit equity to RPM Development for the construction of Patriot Village II.
“Developments like Patriot Village II are great examples of how we can empower local neighborhoods and further our commitment to the communities that we serve,” said Maurice Coleman, Senior Vice-President of Commercial Real Estate-Community Development Banking at Bank of America.
The project was also awarded low income housing tax credits from the N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency in the 2018 cycle. An award of $1.3 million was also secured from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s Affordable Housing Program to help finance the project.
All residents of Patriot Village II will have access to educational activities for children as well as wellness and health activities.
“This project will increase spending at nearby restaurants and businesses in the North Ward,” said North Ward City Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson. “We want to build a sense of pride in being a Trentonian. That’s why our community clamored for years to get a project like this one started.”
“After fourteen challenging years, we are very pleased to start construction on this ambitious project, and we look forward to having a positive impact on the neighborhood for many years to come,” said Michael Knab, Senior Vice-President of Development for RPM Development. RPM Development Group, one of the leading developers of affordable housing in New Jersey, focuses on renovating abandoned or vacant properties.
The Gusciora Administration was also able to unfreeze years of CDBG funds. As a result, the city recouped $1.5 million in HUD reimbursements and is now able use $3.75 million in CDBG funding to help restore youth programs, parks, senior centers, community recreation spots, as well as rehabilitate homes and provide first time homebuyer assistance.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today held a groundbreaking event to showcase Trenton’s latest housing project, which will create 72 units of affordable and sustainable housing units in North Trenton in the Fall of 2021.
TRENTON-HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday Hamilton West, Nottingham and Steinert High Schools held their graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 at Arm & Hammer Park, Trenton Thunder Stadium. Graduation was delayed this year due to COVID-19 and the ceremonies that are usually held indoors at the arena were held outdoors at the baseball stadium to help keep everyone safe by following Governor Murphy’s COVID-19 rules and executive orders.
Photos below provided by the Trenton Thunder:
Photos provided by Trenton Thunder Baseball
Tweets from the three Hamilton Township graduations held at Trenton Thunder, Arm & Hammer Park:
4 of our 6 graduating seniors with coach Kline today at graduation! Good luck gentlemen! pic.twitter.com/nWYynotuKk
— HAMILTON WEST Baseball (@HamWestBaseball) July 30, 2020
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A motorcycle lost control on Old York Road between New Street and Herbert Road. The motorcycle ran off the roadway and into a farm field injuring the driver around 7:30 pm tonight. The Robbinsville Township Police Department, Robbinsville Township Fire Department responded for the injured motorcyclist. The victim was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton for treatment. Robbinsville Township Police are investigating.
No further information is available about the accident.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County corrections officer was sentenced to two-years probation after admitting he engaged in sexual contact with an inmate at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution last year, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Thomas J. Mauro, 42 of Beachwood, was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr. Although the State argued that Mauro should be incarcerated for 180 days in jail, Judge Falcetano instead suspended the imposition of any jail term on the defendant, indicating he would serve the 180 days if he violated his probation. Judge Falcetano further ordered Mauro to maintain full time employment, obtain substance abuse and mental health evaluations, and follow all recommendations, and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The Court had previously ordered Mauro to permanently forfeit his ability to hold public office at his guilty plea earlier this year.
The victim, a 31-year-old female inmate from Neptune City, was observed on April 27, 2019, entering a bathroom at the correctional facility reserved for the exclusive use of Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) staff. Moments later, Mauro followed her into the same bathroom. While in the bathroom, Mauro engaged in sexual contact with the inmate before they each exited the bathroom separately. The investigation revealed that Mauro and the woman had a prior relationship in 2013 while the woman was not an inmate at the facility. Regardless of any prior relationship, such sexual contact is prohibited by law. A correction officer’s power and authority over an inmate invalidates any possible consent that an inmate could provide.
“Law enforcement officers have an obligation to maintain the public’s trust that they are conducting themselves at the highest standards. Corrections officers have the added obligation to ensure that they are maintaining an environment free of the abuse demonstrated in this case,” Gramiccioni said.
“Let this serve as a warning to every officer: violating your oath does harm to your fellow officers, the inmates, and public. Any officer violating that oath will be held fully accountable for their conduct. I’m proud of the corrections officers who diligently serve this agency, and no one will tarnish that reputation,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden.
The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.
Mauro is represented by Jeffrey Garrigan, Esq., of Jersey City.
WASHINGTON, DC–Bipartisan legislation named in honor of Samantha “Sami” Josephson—a senior at the University of South Carolina and a Robbinsville High School, NJ graduate, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered in 2019 by a predator pretending to be her Uber driver—was passed today in the House of Representatives.
Sami’s Law—HR 4686—passed in a unanimous voice vote.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) the bills prime sponsor, said that among its provisions, Sami’s Law will “require ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to deploy a verifiable electronic access system to match drivers with passengers before the ride begins to enhance safety for the ride-hailing public.
“I am especially grateful to the Speaker for her strong personal commitment to this cause and for bringing Sami’s Law to the floor today and who—like leader Kevin McCarthy and others—welcomed Marci and Seymour with deep respect, kindness and total empathy for their loss. See Smith’s floor remarks
Chief cosponsor Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) said, “Our Smith/Suozzi bill works to provide consumers with a level of safety before entering a vehicle… As Members of Congress, it is our duty to do all we can do protect our constituents. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this commonsense, bipartisan legislation in short order.”
Sami’s parents, Marci and Seymour said “It’s bittersweet. It’s been emotional. We’d much rather have Samantha sitting with us here on the couch, but to create a law so nobody else gets hurt is a good thing. It’s a huge step to get it through the House. Now we need to get the Senate to act on it hopefully soon.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi(D-CA) said “After the heartbreaking murder of their daughter Samantha, Seymour and Marci Josephson turned their agony into courageous action to promote rideshare safety and education and to prevent future tragedies. Passing Sami’s Law is a fitting tribute to her memory, and it is critical to ensuring that rideshare companies have protections in place for the safety and well-being of all their passengers. I applaud the relentless advocacy of Congressman Chris Smith, along with Congressman Tom Suozzi, for crafting this important bill and ensuring its strong, bipartisan support on the House Floor.”
Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA): said: “Sami should be with us today. She should be alongside her loving parents Seymour and Marci, and she should have graduated from the University of South Carolina and gone on to attend law school like she had been planning. But her life was cut short because of the horrific actions of a predator. While we cannot bring Sami back, here is the promise we make to her family and her loved ones: this Congress will take action to not only memorialize her life, but we will also implement changes needed to keep innocent people safer when they use ride share apps in the future. The passage of Sami’s Law will establish additional layers of security, including requiring digital methods to establish driver/rider identities before the ride starts, so that we can prevent these types of crimes from happening. I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Chris Smith, who has been committed to making sure Sami’s Law becomes a reality, and to the efforts of the ridesharing companies for their willingness to work together on this important initiative. Today Sami’s Law is on its way to the Senate, one step closer to being signed into law.”
Smith said “given the pain due to the unimageable loss of their daughter—Seymour and Marci have been heroic, tenacious and extraordinarily persuasive. They have been a critically important part of the often-intense negotiations with multiple stakeholders including Uber and Lyft.’
Both Uber and Lyft praised passage of Sami’s Law.
Danielle Burr, Head of Uber Federal Affairs: “The tragic death of Samantha Josephson left the rideshare community heartbroken and devastated. Today’s passage of ‘Sami’s Law’ is another step in the ongoing work to help improve safety on rideshare by leveraging education and technology. We’re grateful for the leadership of Congressman Chris Smith, the support and collaboration of the Josephson Family and the commitment of congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle to pass ‘Sami’s Law.’
In a statement Lyft said”The Josephson family and Congressman Smith have worked tirelessly to champion Sami’s Law. Their determination has led to today’s passage in the US House of Representatives. We have and will continue to prioritize safety within the Lyft community.”
The National Federation of the Blind, which was instrumental in writing the provision in the bill to ensure that there is a way for a passenger to use a non-visual arrangement to verify the authenticity of the TNC driver, also strongly supports the bill.
“We thank and commend Representative Smith for working closely with us in crafting this legislation, which will provide a fully nonvisual method for blind and deafblind passengers to identify and verify rideshare trips. We urge the Senate to swiftly follow the House in passing Sami’s Law,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind:
Sami’s Law not only sets safety requirements for today’s technology and a process for successor technology performance standards, it also:
establishes a 15-member advisory council that reports to the Secretary of Transportation—SAMI’s Council—comprised of federal agency and public stakeholders to advance safety standards in the rideshare industry;
makes it unlawful to sell, or offer for sale, ride-share signage making it more difficult for imposters like Sami’s murderer to pose as a driver;
requires a GAO report on the incidence of assault and abuse of both passengers and drivers;
requires that the GAO also examine the nature and specifics of “background” checks conducted by companies and the varying standards set by States regarding background checks.
Please see the below for complete statements of those identified above.
“Both Marci and I and Sydney are extremely happy and proud to work with Chris Smith, Speak Pelosi and Leader McCarthy, Chairman DeFazio, Graves and Suozzi,” said Seymour Josephson, speaking for his wife and other daughter, Sydney. “We really appreciate the teamwork, having Chris Smith leading the charge and bringing in Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy and Rep. DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves and others. It’s been a whirlwind of ups and downs. It’s bittersweet. It’s been emotional. We’d much rather have Samantha sitting with us here on the couch, but to create a law so nobody else gets hurt is a good thing. It’s a huge step to get it through the House. Now we need to get the Senate to act on it hopefully soon.”
Chris Smith (R-NJ), the bill’s author, said: “Notwithstanding their excruciating agony over the loss of their precious daughter, Sami’s parents—Seymour and Marci—began pushing for comprehensive new protection policies at Uber and Lyft and legislation to ensure to the maximum extent possible that no one else ever loses her or his life or gets assaulted by a rideshare driver or a predator who pretends to be one. For over a year—especially given the pain due to the unimageable loss of their daughter—Seymour and Marci have been heroic, tenacious and extraordinarily persuasive. They have been a critically important part of the often-intense negotiations with multiple stakeholders including Uber and Lyft.
I am especially grateful to the Speaker for her strong personal commitment to this cause and for bringing Sami’s Law to the floor today and who—like leader Kevin McCarthy and others—welcomed Marci and Seymour with deep respect, kindness and total empathy for their loss.
Congressman Tom Suozzi, (D-NY): “Last year, Sami Josephson called for an Uber, entered the wrong car, and was murdered. We face a tremendous challenge trying to determine what policies are necessary to ensure that companies like Uber and Lyft provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to consumers and employees,” said Rep. Tom Suozzi. “Our Smith/Suozzi bill works to provide consumers with a level of safety before entering a vehicle. I would like to thank Congressman Smith for his leadership on this issue. As Members of Congress, it is our duty to do all we can do protect our constituents. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this commonsense, bipartisan legislation in short order.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): “After the heartbreaking murder of their daughter Samantha, Seymour and Marci Josephson turned their agony into courageous action to promote rideshare safety and education and to prevent future tragedies. Passing Sami’s Law is a fitting tribute to her memory, and it is critical to ensuring that rideshare companies have protections in place for the safety and well-being of all their passengers. I applaud the relentless advocacy of Congressman Chris Smith, along with Congressman Tom Suozzi, for crafting this important bill and ensuring its strong, bipartisan support on the House Floor.”
Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA): “Sami should be with us today. She should be alongside her loving parents Seymour and Marci, and she should have graduated from the University of South Carolina and gone on to attend law school like she had been planning. But her life was cut short because of the horrific actions of a predator. While we cannot bring Sami back, here is the promise we make to her family and her loved ones: this Congress will take action to not only memorialize her life, but we will also implement changes needed to keep innocent people safer when they use ride share apps in the future. The passage of Sami’s Law will establish additional layers of security, including requiring digital methods to establish driver/rider identities before the ride starts, so that we can prevent these types of crimes from happening. I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Chris Smith, who has been committed to making sure Sami’s Law becomes a reality, and to the efforts of the ridesharing companies for their willingness to work together on this important initiative. Today Sami’s Law is on its way to the Senate, one step closer to being signed into law.”
Said Danielle Burr, Head of Uber Federal Affairs: “The tragic death of Samantha Josephson left the rideshare community heartbroken and devastated. Today’s passage of ‘Sami’s Law’ is another step in the ongoing work to help improve safety on rideshare by leveraging education and technology. We’re grateful for the leadership of Congressman Chris Smith, the support and collaboration of the Josephson Family and the commitment of congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle to pass ‘Sami’s Law.’ At Uber, our work on safety is never done and we remain committed to continue doing our part to help keep riders and drivers safe while using the platform.”
Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind: “We thank and commend Representative Smith for working closely with us in crafting this legislation, which will provide a fully nonvisual method for blind and deafblind passengers to identify and verify rideshare trips. We urge the Senate to swiftly follow the House in passing Sami’s Law.”
Dan Katz, Senior Director, Public Policy, Lyft: “The Josephson family and Congressman Smith have worked tirelessly to champion Sami’s Law. Their determination has led to today’s passage in the US House of Representatives. We have and will continue to prioritize safety within the Lyft community.”
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