A $12,500 reward is being offered for information in the shooting of one of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s top legal aides. Carey Gabay, 43, is in critical condition after getting caught in the crossfire of two gangs in Brooklyn early Monday morning.Gabay was hit in the head by a stray bullet and is being treated at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn. Police have yet to arrest any suspects in the shooting, but have recovered a firearm.
Gabay served as Empire State Development’s First Deputy Counsel, working closely with ESD President and Chief Executive Officer Howard Zemsky. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul called the situation "horribly tragic" for a young man who lived the American dream.
"He grew up in the projects in the Bronx. He made his way through hard work to become a student at Harvard University, Harvard Law School, and really gave up the opportunity to have a lucrative private sector career and became a public servant. Carey Gabay is someone that we all admire. We are with him as he continues this really difficult fight," said Hochul.
Governor Cuomo visited Gabay in the hospital and is in regular contact with Gabay’s family in Puerto Rico.
The incident puts the issue of gun control back in the public spotlight. In a statement released following the shooting, Governor Cuomo said “This tragic shooting – this one by another seemingly random bullet – is the latest heartbreaking reminder that the crime of gun violence must stop. Enough young, innocent people have died, and it must stop now.”
Hochul said the governor is reiterating that New York has the toughest gun control laws in the nation, but also deals with guns coming in from other states.
“It has nothing to do with the second amendment. It’s about making sure that people who are criminals and people who are mentally ill do not get their hands on guns. And we’ve got to do that not just in the state of New York, but nationwide to stop the scourge of violence which is plaguing the streets everywhere,” said Hochul.
Hochul pointed out that, including Buffalo, no community is immune from violence. She said the governor is calling for people to have the courage to step up and ensure the second amendment is respected.
