Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
City Hall Lounge Renamed After Slain Councilman
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 22, 2004
Modified Mar 6, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 22, 2004
Modified Mar 6, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yesterday, the City Council's members lounge at City Hall was renamed in honor of late City Councilman, James Davis of Brooklyn, who was gunned down in City Hall by a political rival almost one year ago. The killing, which suddenly unfolded after Davis asked that a rival he was cordial with, Othniel Askew, be let in by City Hall security without passing through metal detectors. Askew then fired a few shots inside, killing Davis; Askew was then killed by a police officer on duty in City Hall. The shooting forced City Hall security to be enforced more heavily than before. Davis''s brother Geoffrey said at the ceremony, "My mother and I will continue to fight, to inspire and to never give up. That is the legacy - to continue fighting. Its not about politics, it's about inspiring our youth.
The Daily News finds that security is "still a myth" at the City Counci's 250 Broadway location. The Times meets up again with Detective Richard Burt, who was the police officer who shot Askew. Burt said, "there was a lot of confusion," but was able to react quickly. And right after the shooting, Burt had received a promotion.
Tagged
broadway
brooklyn
city
City Council
City Councilman
City hall
daily news
new york
new york region
new york times
news
News: NYC
Othniel Askew
police
Politics
shooting
the daily news
The New York
the new york times
The Police
the times
York Region
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
DSA to Mamdani: Fire NYPD commissioner if ICE doesn't leave NYC
The DSA's NYC chapter accused the NYPD of collaborating with ICE and demanded Mayor Mamdani hold Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch responsible.
By
Elizabeth Kim
,
Brigid Bergin
and
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 9, 2026 at 6:31 p.m. ET
Two people killed in Bronx vehicle crash
When officers arrived on the scene in Allerton Friday afternoon, they found three pedestrians who were unconscious with trauma to the head and body, according to the NYPD. Two individuals later died.
By
Kaya Laterman
News
Two people killed in Bronx vehicle crash
When officers arrived on the scene in Allerton Friday afternoon, they found three pedestrians who were unconscious with trauma to the head and body, according to the NYPD. Two individuals later died.
By
Kaya Laterman
NY will opt in Trump’s school choice program, Hochul says
By
Jon Campbell
Residents, lawmakers warned for months of potential for deadly ICE activity in Marble Hill
By
David Brand
Manhattan DA argues judge shouldn't dismiss state charges against Luigi Mangione
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .