Violent Attacks On Brooklyn Youths Spurs Community Forum

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Back-to-back violent incidents involving youths shocked Brooklynites when videos of both circulated last week. Now, a planned forum aims to help them learn and change their communities.

The community discussion was to be held Thursday at 5 p.m. at Medgar Evers College, but officials announced that day it will be postponed. They've yet to announce as to when.

When it runs, the event will be co-hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Edwin Raymond, the co-founder of Preparing Leaders of Tomorrow.

They're not the only names on the lineup, according to a release. Actor Michael K. Williams, best known as Omar on "The Wire,"was listed as attending, along with other advocates and youths.

The discussion will focus on NYPD's arrest of Fitzroy Gayle, 20, in Canarsie on March 4. Video of his arrest prompted outrage after it showed police officers pile up on him as he screamed.

Police said Gayle ran away after being confronted over smoking marijuana, the New York Post reported.

The other incident covered by the discussion will be the March 5 attack on a 15-year-old girl in Crown Heights by a large group of youths. At least 12 youths have been arrested, with more being sought.

"The conversation will focus on what can be learned from both incidents, and how young people can effect positive change in their communities," a release states.