DA Thompson Announces New Firearms Prosecution Unit
Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson announced on January 12, 2016 the creation of a new Firearms Prosecution Unit, part of New York City’s ‘Project Fast Track’—an initiative designed to swiftly and efficiently dispose of illegal gun cases. The Unit will be headed by Assistant District Attorney Leslie Kahn.
At a press conference held at City Hall, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton and other law enforcement officials joined DA Thompson to announce the new initiative and unit. “We stand here today because this is a very important initiative that is going to roll out,” DA Thompson said at Tuesday’s press conference. “Today, we are here to deal with those who bring guns into our communities and bring guns to our streets. With the announcement of this new gun part, we’re going to enhance our effort in Brooklyn with a new Firearms Prosecution Unit.
Project Fast Track includes an Expedited Firearms Court, a specialized court part for gun possession cases. The first implementation of the new court part will begin in Brooklyn and be overseen by Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Suzanne Mondo and Acting Supreme Court Justice Cassandra Mullen. The part is expected to be added to courts in all five boroughs.
“An Expedited Firearms Court with dedicated judges will help us prosecute gun cases faster and more efficiently in Brooklyn. This is another tool for us in our commitment to fight gun violence and I’m confident that these important additional resources will help keep the public safe,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson.
DA Thompson Announces New Firearms Prosecution Unit