Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa and several Republican candidates from Queens gathered on June 17th across from Public School 237 to condemn the sexual assault case of a 13-year-old girl that occurred in Keensinna Walk Park on June 13th. They criticized the current laws and policies that facilitate crime, expressing their commitment to coordinating parent organizations’ mutual aid teams to strengthen patrols.
Sliwa stated that cashless bail provides criminals with opportunities to return to the streets, enabling them to commit crimes repeatedly. He emphasized that current Democratic state legislators have participated in cutting police funds and supporting cashless bail, urging voters to support Republican candidates in November to bring about changes to the cashless bail law.
During the summer break, Sliwa announced plans to organize a parent patrol team. When children return to school in September, a team composed of parents and grandparents will patrol the park and provide support and vigilance.
“The park holds many beautiful memories for residents – going to school, playing in Keensinna Walk Park, returning home, eating, studying, sleeping – many people live their lives in this repetitive cycle,” Sliwa said. However, this peaceful life has been disrupted by recent events, highlighting the growing problem and underscoring the negative impact and potential dangers of the cashless bail system. It provides a breeding ground for crime and creates conditions for criminals, thus the need for the removal of cashless bail laws.
Yiatin Chu, Republican candidate for the 11th State Senate District, emphasized that a thug wielding a machete entered a secluded wooded area and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl, describing it as every parent’s nightmare. Over the past four to five years, people have endured the consequences of bail reform, with repeat offenders continuing to evade justice, sending a message of lawlessness. Gangs and criminally minded illegal immigrants exploit this loophole to the maximum extent, putting schools and families at great risk. Chu stressed the necessity of closing this threat, ensuring that criminals face punishment, and advocated for increased funding for police, more security cameras, and improved investigative techniques to allow children to play in parks and playgrounds without fear of assault, attack, or intimidation.
Kenneth Paek, a Korean-American Republican candidate running for the 25th State Assembly District who previously served as a precinct police officer, shared his experience of feeling shackled and unable to effectively enforce the law since the implementation of cashless bail. He highlighted that certain crimes are preventable and expressed his determination to clean up the mess, hence his decision to run for office and build a safer, fear-free New York.
Wang Shaoquan, Republican candidate for the 40th State Assembly District, remarked that the community used to be a beautiful place for immigrants to pursue their dreams, not to endure crime. He emphasized the necessity of restoring street safety and stressed that sensible decision-making guided by common sense consciousness is essential for a better life, urging the election of representatives with common sense consciousness.
State Assemblyman Yong Jia Zheng also attended the gathering.