Mother of NYC murder victim calls on local leaders to prioritize safety
Eve Hendricks speaks out on the growing crime crisis in New York City after her son was shot and killed in 2020.
Two years after her son's murder, a New York City mother is calling for stricter laws and tough-on-crime policies as the city's crime crisis makes national headlines.
Eve Hendricks’ son, Brandon, was 17 years old and had recently graduated high school when he was shot and killed in June 2020. He was a stand-out member of his school’s basketball team and was exploring offers to play in college.
"It is really, really scary because each time you hear that someone gets shot, you worry about your child. You worry that it could be your child," she said on "America Reports" Tuesday.
Washington DC, USA - SEPTEMBER 13: New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks at the National Press Club during a press conference on gun violence and other issues on September 13, 2022. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Hendricks explained to host Sandra Smith that a community effort is required to keep children safe and sympathized with other concerned parents, urging them to work with police and local politicians.
"I am fighting for peace," she said. "I am out there trying to do events in the community, trying to talk to the children, trying to reach out to the politicians," she said.
"But we cannot do it alone."
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Hendricks noted that Mayor Eric Adams campaigned on a platform of cracking down on crime, but she’s still waiting to see things improve.
She noted the city’s widely-criticized bail reform laws are also contributing to the surging crime rate.
"If you are caught with a gun, you get a slap on the shoulder, you get bailed, and then you come out and you repeat the same thing," Hendricks said.
"We need stricter laws; these criminals need to be punished."
She questioned what city council members and the mayor are doing to increase safety and called on those leaders to enact change.
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As for parents, Hendricks encouraged them to communicate with their children -- find out where they are and who they spend time with. She also suggested keeping children under a curfew.
"It is a terrible feeling knowing that your child can be next," she said.
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