Yesterday, I watched with disappointment and no small measure of outrage as US Attorney Kenneth Polite promised potential federal charges against robbers attacking Uptown businesses.
While not a fan of armed robbers, I'm also not fond of selective enforcement.
The overwhelming majority of New Orleans violent crime and homicide victims are low income Black citizens, often in areas like Central City and New Orleans East.
I'd like to hope their much more frequently impacted lives merit FBI, ATFE, US Marshals Service and other DOJ component attention too.
Real or perceived " gentrified justice " gives rise to responses like Black Lives Matter and profound hostility toward law enforcement in communities like those Mr. Polite and I grew up in.
A federal role in violence prevention seems better directed in low income areas most affected.
Perhaps federal enhancements for organized violent crime committed against ANY New Orleanian might be a more just response from local representatives of the US Justice Department?
Nadra Enzi aka Cap Black
Free Security Activist
Founder, SWS: Security Within SELF mobilization & mentoring organization.
PO BOX 58822
New Orleans, LA. 70158
From US Attorney Kenneth A Polite,
ReplyDeleteI respectfully request that you share the following response with your readers:
Cap Black, I always appreciate your viewpoint. However, I must disagree with you regarding your characterization of our “selective” prioritization of federal resources in fighting violent crime.
Allow me to offer just a few examples, all just from this 2015 alone. You may recall that earlier this year, we announced a significant number of arrest as part of the “Wild, Wild East” initiative, focusing on violent drug traffickers in the New Orleans East area. The level of commitment has continued throughout this year, with both the DEA and the ATF increasing agent presence in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Districts, with our Office prosecuting many of those cases involving violent drug offenses and illegal weapons.
Moreover, our work as part of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit has resulted in the federal prosecution of over 7 neighborhood crews, representing approximately 58 defendants. These prosecutions were of defendants who terrorized neighborhoods throughout the City, be it Uptown, New Orleans East, and everywhere in between. Indeed, our last MAG unit federal trial resulted in the conviction of three members of the Ride or Die gang from the St. Roch area. All three defendants face mandatory life sentences as a result of their violent acts. Further, our last RICO indictment in this area was against 6 members of the YMM crew which operated in the Melpomene Housing Project.
As you noted, I am a product of low-income neighborhoods of this City. I never forget that, which is the reason I fight every day, in every way, to combat violent crime throughout this City and this region. As always, I look forward to working with you to make our streets safe for us all.