‘Raise the Age’ is killing New York kids

Last week, a tragic incident shook the Bronx community as 14-year-old Angel Mendoza was fatally stabbed in a playground by a group of teens. His 15-year-old friend Yasmin was the one who found him in his dying moments. This heartbreaking event was just one in a series of violent incidents involving teenagers in New York City. A 13-year-old was stabbed by a 14-year-old in Queens, and a 17-year-old shot at a rival teen in Times Square, unintentionally hitting tourists in the process.

These incidents are not isolated occurrences but rather part of a concerning trend. Since the implementation of New York State’s “Raise the Age” legislation in 2018, the number of youths arrested with guns has increased by 136%. Tragically, the number of juvenile shooting victims has also risen by 81%. The proportion of all shooting victims in the city who are children has doubled since 2018.

The “Raise the Age” legislation was intended to provide a second chance for young offenders and divert them from a life of crime. However, the unintended consequences have been devastating. The process under this law allows violent teens to navigate through the system with minimal consequences, ultimately returning to the streets and engaging in reckless behavior with impunity.

The rise in juvenile gun arrests, felony assault victims, and juvenile murder arrests is alarming. The system created by “Raise the Age” has created a disjointed approach to juvenile justice, where accountability and oversight are lacking. The lack of adult supervision and consequences has incentivized young individuals to engage in criminal activities, resulting in more lives lost and a cycle of violence perpetuated.

While overall crime rates have decreased in the city, the safety of our children has not seen the same improvements. The racial disparity in juvenile crime has also worsened, with Black and Hispanic youths being disproportionately affected by violence.

The convoluted process created by “Raise the Age” has failed to address the root causes of juvenile crime. Instead of focusing on rehabilitation and accountability, young offenders are slipping through the cracks and returning to criminal behavior without consequence.

It is essential for lawmakers to revisit the “Raise the Age” legislation and prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. Adult oversight and accountability must be reinstated in the juvenile justice system to prevent further tragedies and ensure that young individuals receive the support and guidance they need to turn their lives around. As a mother and the Police Commissioner of New York City, I urge legislators to take action before more young lives are lost to senseless violence.