Tonight: After Neighbor Fatally Shot In Ditmas Park, Area Leaders To Hold Community Gathering For Peace

Police gather near the site of Tuesday’s shooting on Newkirk Avenue. Photo by Mike Wright

Tonight, everyone is invited to take a stand against violence in our neighborhood.

The Flatbush Development Corporation will host the “Community Gathering for Peace,” which will be held at 6:30pm at the corner of E. 17th Street and Newkirk Avenue — where 27-year-old neighbor Raphael Kurton was fatally shot Tuesday night.

In addition to leaders from the FDC, the community gathering for peace will be attended by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Councilman Jumaane Williams, Councilman Mathieu Eugene, clergy, anti-gun violence advocates, among others. The event follows a series of crime in the area, including the fatal shooting, Molotov cocktails being thrown into the Newkirk Medical Plaza (1414 Newkirk Avenue, by Marlborough Road) and an armed robbery at a Foster Avenue deli.

“Our community must band together to take a stand against this senseless violence,” FDC Executive Director Robin Redmond said. “No life should end in such a fierce manner, and our prayers are with Mr. Kurton’s family and friends. Our community gathering for peace is a step in the right direction to end violence and promote peaceful solutions.”

Anyone is welcome to attend tonight’s event. If you have any questions, you may call the FDC at 718-859-3800.