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City Hall Lounge Renamed After Slain Councilman
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 22, 2004
Modified Mar 6, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 22, 2004
Modified Mar 6, 2008
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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.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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