Senator Schumer on Death of Osama bin Laden Video - State of Politics

Senator Chuck Schumer on State of Politics blog about death of Obama bin Laden...

Statement of Congressman Gregory W. Meeks on the Capture and Killing of Osama bin Laden

As a New Yorker and as a Member of Congress who visited Ground Zero days after the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, who witnessed the carnage and smelled death and destruction emanating from the ruins, it is difficult to find words that fully express my appreciation of our military personnel and intelligence professionals who brilliantly and successfully accomplished the mission which led to the killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The courage, skill, confidence and capability with which they carried out this assignment are magnified by the degree of difficulty involved.

By the same measure, I would like to convey my gratitude to President Barack Obama for his fortitude. Considering how much could have gone wrong and the consequences of failure, one can only imagine how lonely it must have been to take such a decision. Yet, our president discharged the commitment he had repeatedly made to the American people, and above all to the families and friends of the 9/11 victims, with singular fortitude and determination. The nation salutes you, Mr. President, and your entire national security team.

At the same time, I urge my constituents and all Americans to take seriously the president’s caution to remain vigilant. It is especially important at such an extraordinary moment of success to absorb the fact that the struggle against terrorism and extremism continues. There is more to be done. But, as President Obama said, there is nothing that we Americans cannot achieve together as “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Schumer: ‘Thunderous Strike For Justice’ by Elizabeth Benjamin - Capital Tonite

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Senator Charles Schumer’s statement on Osama Bin Laden’s death.

“This is a thunderous strike for justice for the thousands of my fellow New Yorkers — and citizens from all over the world — who were murdered on 9/11. It took close to ten years, but the world’s most wanted terrorist has finally met his deserved fate. New York’s heart is still broken from the tragedy of 9/11, but this at least brings some measure of closure and consolation to the victims and their families.

“This is a massive accomplishment for the countless military and intelligence personnel who have been urgently dedicated to this task for the past decade. Because Bin Laden’s evil dogma has poisoned the minds of so many others, we cannot let up in the war on terror. This successful mission sends a definitive message to those who would test the resolve of the people of the United States of America: do not doubt our resolve; if you do us harm, we will find you, we will mete out justice, and we will prevail.”

Rep. Edolphus 'Ed' Towns’ Statement on the Death of Hope Reichbach

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of Hope Reichbach. She certainly was a rising political star with so much talent and a genuine concern for the community she passionately served. More importantly a life with so much promise has been cut short at such a young age. Brooklyn has indeed lost a tremendous gift. My prayers go out to Judge Gustin Reichbach and his family, as well as to the staff of Councilman Steve Levin”.

Congressman Towns' Statement on Geraldine Ferraro

Congressman Ed Towns (D-NY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Geraldine Ferraro.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro, one of America’s great public leaders, on March 26, 2011 after a 12-year battle with multiple myeloma.

“Congresswoman Ferraro preceded me in the House of Representatives and our paths often crossed as Members of the New York delegation. She was a strong American and proud New Yorker. She reminded me of another trailblazer, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, my mentor. Both she and Congresswoman Ferraro were pioneers in female politics and epitomized what it meant to be a political force. At a time when many shied away from political challenges, Ferraro stood tall and became first female Vice Presidential candidate for a major American political party.

“Congresswoman Ferraro’s life touched millions, including mine. We cherish her memory and her legacy will be a beacon for other Americans pursuing their dreams. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ferraro-Zaccaro family.”

Senator Joe Addabbo's Statement on the Late Geraldine Ferraro

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), issued the following statement on the late Geraldine Ferraro:

New York and our nation lost a true credible, dedicated trailblazer when Geraldine Ferraro passed away over the weekend. Her work as a teacher, lawyer, mother, local and national public servant who set new standards, is truly to be admired and honored.

I remember many times witnessing the cooperative efforts and friendship of my father, the late Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo, and Geraldine, as they dealt with issues concerning their communities and the whole country in Washington, D.C.

Italian Americans across the city, state and country should be proud of her accomplishments and rise to global prominence. As a champion of women’s rights, may Geraldine Ferraro continue to serve as an inspiration to many for generations to come.

Geraldine A. Ferraro, First Woman on Major Party Ticket, Dies at 75

RIP Geraldine Ferraro (August 26, 1935 – March 26, 2011)

Geraldine A. Ferraro, the former Queens congresswoman who in 1984 strode onto a podium to accept the Democratic nomination for vice president to take her place in American history as the first woman nominated for national office by a major party, died on Saturday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was 75.

The cause was complications from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that she had battled for 12 years, her family said in a statement.

Statement from NYC Comptroller John Liu on the Passing of Former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about the passing of Former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro:

“Geraldine Ferraro was an extraordinary New Yorker and American who set new standards of public service and shattered the glass ceiling for women in our nation. All the while, she never forgot her values of fairness and equal opportunity, and never forgot her roots in NYC and Queens. Geraldine Ferraro leaves behind a great legacy.”

Statement by NYC Public Advocate Bill De Blasio on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Geraldine Ferraro was a true trailblazer who inspired enormous pride among women, Italian-Americans and all New Yorkers. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ferraro family as we all mourn the loss of one of New York’s most inspirational and dedicated public figures.

Statement from Congressman Joe Crowley on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), released the statement below on the passing of Geraldine Ferraro. Crowley is the current Representative of portions of Ferraro’s former district.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Many pay tribute to her as a trailblazer in American politics, but we in Queens will also remember her as a determined and tireless advocate for our community. An inspiration to us all, Geraldine Ferraro helped pave the way for our daughters to achieve anything they set their minds to. As the Representative of her former district, I am proud to call Geraldine a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Geraldine’s family and I join the entire country in mourning one of America’s great public servants.”

Statement from Congressman Gregory W. Meeks on the Passing of Geraldine Anne Ferraro Zaccaro

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6) released the following statement today in regards to the passing of Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro:

“All Americans are saddened by the news that Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro passed away early this morning at the Massachusetts General Hospital. At the age of 75, this fighter for women's rights and social justice finally lost her heroic twelve year struggle against multiple myeloma. As always, she was surrounded by her loving family. A profound appreciation of her life and legacy is in the thoughts of millions of admirers.

“While most Americans associate the name Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro with being the first woman and first Italian American vice-presidential nominee of a major political party on the 1984 Democratic ticket, her former constituents and indeed all residents of the borough of Queens remember her as an effective member of the House Democratic leadership and a skilled Member of Congress who ably advocated and legislated not only for her congressional district, but also the borough, New York City and New York State. I have the additional honor of having worked with her decades ago in the office of the Queens County District Attorney.

“On behalf of the constituents of the Sixth Congressional District, my wife, Simone, and I extend heartfelt condolences to the Ferraro-Zaccaro family.”

Statement From Former Councilman Eric Gioia On The Passing Of Geraldine Ferraro

"Geraldine Ferraro was the first of her kind and one of a kind. Growing up in Queens I got to know her at my family flower shop and have valued her wisdom and guidance my whole life. To me she was a mentor and a friend, to the nation she was a trailblazer as the first woman to run on a national ticket, to Queens she was our voice in Congress, to her family she was a loving wife and mother and to my two young daughters she is an inspiration that shows they can achieve anything through hard work. New York and the country are better off because of Geraldine Ferraro and she will be truly missed - but never forgotten."

Disgraced Politician Dies In Federal Prison by Dominick Rafter - Queens Tribune

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Former State Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio, who represented Southwest Queens for more than 30 years before resigning in disgrace in 2009, died Jan. 6 in a North Carolina prison at the age of 75.

Seminerio, a Democrat, was elected in 1978 to represent a Richmond Hill-based district in the State Assembly. His 133-vote victory assured him the seat for the next 31 years.

In later years, he often endorsed Republican candidates like Rudy Giuliani for Mayor, George Pataki for Governor, and Rick Lazio and Al D’Amato for U.S. Senate. During his time in the Assembly, he represented Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood and Woodhaven. He last faced a Republican opponent in 2000 and often got the nominations of both the Democratic and Republican parties in his reelection campaigns.

“For over 30 years Anthony Seminerio represented the 38th Assembly District with passion and dedication,” said Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven), who succeeded Seminerio in the Assembly. “We should remember all of the good things that he has done for the community. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife and his children. “

In 2009, a federal indictment was handed down on charges of fraud, after he was accused of using a fake consulting agency to collect payments on actions he took as an Assemblyman between 1999 and 2008. According to the charges, Seminerio solicited and received payments to a consulting firm he set up called Marc Consultants from persons and organizations that had business with the state for nearly a decade beginning in 1999, and sometimes threatened anyone who refused to pay to the firm. Prosecutors discovered that Seminerio did not perform “any bona fide consulting services that fall outside the scope of activities an elected official could readily be expected to perform on behalf of his or her constituents.”

Instead, he used his elected office to lobby state legislators and state agencies on behalf of his paying clients and occasionally against people and organizations, including some of his own constituents, who refused to pay his firm a fee.

According to specific charges, Seminerio approached the founder of a Queens-based consulting firm in 1999 for whom he once worked and demanded a share of the company’s revenue. When the founder refused, Seminerio sought to dissuade their clients from doing business with them and instead hire Marc Consultants. That same year, Seminerio also pressured Robert Richards, the President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, to pay fees to Marc Consultants and threatened to work against vital state funding to the Chamber of Commerce in the state legislature if they didn’t pay consulting fees. In January 2000, Richards agreed and paid a monthly fee to Seminerio’s firm for approximately two years.

More recently, in 2008, Seminerio had attempted to convince Dennis Whalen, a senior New York State Health Department official, to allow Jamaica Hospital, which had paid Seminerio’s firm consulting fees, to acquire the Caritas Hospitals. Whalen had mentioned that other state officials supported Parkway Hospital’s bid to acquire Caritas. Parkway had refused to pay Seminerio’s firm any money. Seminerio never disclosed to Whalen that Jamaica had paid him.

Seminerio had attempted to claim his actions were approved in 1996 and thereafter by the New York Legislative Ethics Committee, but the court rejected the assertion.

In February 2010, a federal judge sentenced Seminerio to six years in jail and a $1 million fine.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125.

RIP Leslie Nielson - The Swamp Fox

Leslie Nielsen, Actor, Dies at 84 - NY Times
By ANITA GATES

Leslie Nielsen, the Canadian-born actor who in middle age tossed aside three decades of credibility in dramatic and romantic roles to make a new, far more successful career as a comic actor in films like “Airplane!” and the “Naked Gun” series, died on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 84.

According to The Associated Press, his agent, John S. Kelly, said Mr. Nielsen died at a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale where he was being treated for pneumonia.

Mr. Nielsen, a tall man with a matinee-idol profile, was often cast as an earnest hero at the beginning of his film career, in the 1950s.

His best-known roles included the stalwart spaceship captain in the science fiction classic “Forbidden Planet” (1956), the wealthy, available Southern aristocrat in “Tammy and the Bachelor” (1957) and an ocean liner captain faced with disaster in “The Poseidon Adventure” (1972).

In the 1960s and ’70s, as his hair turned white and he became an even more distinguished figure, Mr. Nielsen played serious military men, government leaders and even a mob boss, appearing in crime dramas, westerns and the occasional horror movie.

Then, in the low-budget, big-money-making 1980 disaster-movie parody “Airplane!” he was cast as a clueless doctor on board a possibly doomed jetliner. Critics and audiences alike praised his deadpan comic delivery, and his career was reborn.

“Airplane!” was followed by a television series, “Police Squad!” (1982), from the film’s director-writers.

It lasted only six episodes, but Mr. Nielsen, his goofy character, Lt. Frank Drebin, and the creators went on to three successful feature-film spinoffs.

The first, “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!” (1988), was followed by “The Naked Gun 2 ½: The Smell of Fear” (1991) and “The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult” (1994), whose cast included Priscilla Presley, O. J. Simpson and Anna Nicole Smith.

Other filmmakers cast Mr. Nielsen in a variety of comedies, including “Repossessed” (1990), an “Exorcist” spoof with Linda Blair; “Dracula: Dead and Loving It” (1995); “Spy Hard” (1996); and “2001: A Space Travesty” (2000).

None were received as well as the “Naked Gun” films, but Mr. Nielsen found a new continuing role as the paranoid, out-of-control president of the United States in “Scary Movie 3” (2003) and “Scary Movie 4” (2006).

In keeping with his adopted comic persona, when Mr. Nielsen in 1993 published an autobiography, “Naked Truth,” it was one that cheerfully, blatantly fabricated events in his life.

They included two Academy Awards, an affair with Elizabeth Taylor and a stay at a rehabilitation center, battling dopey-joke addiction.

In real life he was nominated twice for Emmy Awards, in 1982 as outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for “Police Squad!” and in 1988 as outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for an episode of “Day by Day,” an NBC sitcom about yuppies and day care.

Off screen, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honor, in 2002.

Leslie William Nielsen was born on Feb. 11, 1926, in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The son of a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Danish heritage and a Welsh mother, he grew up in the Northwest Territories and in Edmonton, Alberta, where he graduated from high school. Jean Hersholt, the Danish-born actor and humanitarian, was an uncle.

Mr. Nielsen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force before his 18th birthday and trained as an aerial gunner during World War II, but he was never sent overseas.

He began his career in radio in Calgary, Alberta, then studied at the Academy of Studio Arts in Toronto and at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. This led him to his television debut, in a 1950 episode of “Actors Studio,” an anthology series on CBS.

By the time Mr. Nielsen made his film debut, in 1956, he had made scores of appearances in series and performed in one Broadway play, “Seagulls Over Sorrento” in 1952, as a tyrannical navy petty officer.

He continued to make guest appearances in television series throughout his career, and with great regularity through the 1970s.

And he did stage work, touring North America and Britain in a one-man show about the crusading lawyer Clarence Darrow.

His final projects included “Lipshitz Saves the World” (2007), an NBC movie comedy, and “Scary Movie 5,” to be released.

Mr. Nielsen married four times. His first wife (1950-56) was Monica Boyer; his second (1958-73) was Alisande Ullman, with whom he had two daughters; and his third (1981-83) was Brooks Oliver. Those marriages ended in divorce.

In 2001 he married Barbaree Earl; a resident of Fort Lauderdale, she survives him, as do his daughters, Maura Nielsen Kaplan and Thea Nielsen Disney.

His elder brother, Erik Nielsen, who was deputy prime minister of Canada from 1984 to 1986, died in 2008.

In a 1988 interview with The New York Times, Leslie Nielsen discussed his career-rejuvenating transition to comedy, a development that he had recently described as “too good to be true.”

“It’s been dawning on me slowly that for the past 35 years I have been cast against type,” he said, “and I’m finally getting to do what I really wanted to do.”

A Hiker in Gateway National Park Discovers -- A Human Skeleton - NYPD Daily Blotter - NYPOST.com

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A hiker in Gateway National Park made a gruesome discovery -- a human skeleton.

He was in the Spring Creek area of the park near 165th Avenue around 85th Street at 7 p.m. Sunday when he spotted clothing and skeletal remains.

The remains are possibly that of a man and had been in the area for some time, sources said.

Bid for a Boulevard of Life by Paul H.B. Shin - NY Daily News

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THE BOULEVARD of Death could get a major face-lift to make it safer and greener, thanks to a group of volunteer planners with a vision.

A sweeping redesign proposal for Queens Blvd., notorious for its pedestrian and cyclist casualties, is to be unveiled to members of the advocacy group Transportation Alternatives this week, Queens News has learned.

After the proposal is refined by year's end, the group plans to use it as the cornerstone of a major lobbying effort next year of all 29 elected officials whose districts intersect the boulevard, said Caroline Samponaro, the group's director of bicycle advocacy.

"It creates an opportunity for there to be broad support on Queens Blvd.," Samponaro said, noting it takes the burden off any one individual to shoulder the lead on the issue.

The proposal includes features such as bike lanes and bus-only lanes to create a "complete street," similar to the changes recently made on First and Second Aves. in Manhattan.

"We have this enormous opportunity with a canvas this wide," Samponaro said of Queens Blvd., which is 12 lanes wide in some spots.

The city has so far been reluctant to consider bike lanes on the boulevard. In a letter to elected officials in 2009, Queens Transportation Commissioner Maura McCarthy said the roadway is not part of the city's bicycle master plan for various reasons, "and we do not envision including it in the near future."

However, advocates noted that if the city wants to promote cycling, as it has been doing, then Queens Blvd. must be an essential part of a bike lane network.

"It's actually one of the few east-west through routes in Queens," said Shin-pei Tsay, an urban planner and a former Transportation Alternatives deputy director who is spearheading the volunteer redesign. "It goes through so many neighborhoods."

"There's definitely some problems in that it also serves as an arterial for vehicular traffic," Tsay added. "But in a vision for the boulevard, there has to be some kind of balance."

The proposal has the wholehearted support of Ken Coughlin, a close friend of James Langergaard, 38, who was killed in August 2009 at Queens Blvd. and 69th St. in Woodside.

If a bike lane "had been in place a year ago when he was crossing Queens Blvd., then his life could have been saved," said Coughlin, a legal editor.

"It should not only be a major artery for cars, but it should also be a major artery for other road users," he added. "It only makes sense to carve out some space for those who choose not to drive."

Samponaro conceded there will be resistance and a "huge learning curve" if Queens Blvd. is redesigned. But similar projects in other parts of the city have shown that locals soon acknowledge the benefits, she said.

Coughlin said he has become an avid cyclist himself, mostly due to the growth of bike lanes.

"There's an incredible latent demand for cycling among thousands who would bike, except for the perception that it's unsafe," he said.

Man and Woman Found Shot to Death Execution-style in Car Outside Linden Hill Cemetery in Ridgewood Queens -One Bullet Each to Back of Head - NYPOST.com

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Like a scene from a gangster movie, a man and woman were found shot to death execution-style in the front seat of a car that was left parked and running outside a Queens cemetery yesterday, cops said.

The balding man, Lenny Archipolo, 47, was found still strapped into the driver's seat of the 1997 Chevy Lumina at 10:08 a.m. outside Linden Hill Cemetery in Ridgewood.

His girlfriend, Yomarya Santiago, 23, was slumped next to him in the passenger seat, leaning against the door with her hair flowing out of the open window.

Both had single gunshot wounds to the backs of their heads, police sources said.

"[They were] motionless. The man's head was turned on one side, kind of limp, ashy color, off-color," said Stephen Chee, 73, a retired nurse who lives nearby and made the 911 call to cops.

"The hair covered the woman's face. [She was] slumped to the left side," Chee said. "The guy was shot in the back of his head. The guy had blood on the front of his shirt . . . I'm shocked at the way they died."

A family friend said that Santiago's jealous ex-beau had threatened Archipolo over the relationship -- and that the ex was about to get out of jail.

Police sources said they were looking into the possibility that the slayings might have been part of a love triangle.

"He loved her. He would give her money all the time, buy her clothes, take her out to dinner," said Archipolo's friend Dominik DeRosa, who added that Santiago had a child by the man in prison.

Santiago's neighbor Emma Anderson said the young woman called Archipolo "her big fat teddy bear."

Sources said investigators also were eyeing a possible drug connection, given Archipolo's long rap sheet involving narcotics.

Cops said Santiago did not have a record.

The brutal murders shattered the peace of the quiet neighborhood

"I'm in shock. I can't believe it," said Mary Gervino, 78, a neighbor of Archipolo. "He was such a nice guy."

Cops differ with that assessment. Archipolo had eight prior arrests, including busts for rape, robbery and drugs.

"When you talked to him, he was charismatic," another neighbor said. "But he was not a nice guy. Leonard was always in trouble."

When police found the maroon car, which belongs to Archipolo's brother, it's engine was still running and the lights were on.

Cops last night were looking at a surveillance video from a camera on a home across from the cemetery.

Sources said investigators are treating the killings as a double homicide and not a murder suicide, mostly because no gun was found at the scene.

By REUVEN FENTON, KEVIN SHEEHAN and LARRY CELONA
Additional reporting by John Doyle, Jessica Simeone and Matthew Nestel

Hit-and-Run Critically Injures Man in Woodhaven, Queens - Eyewitness News - 7online.com

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Police in Queens are searching for a hit and run driver.

Police say a dark colored SUV hit a pedestrian at Jamaica Avenue and 85th Street.


It happened just before 2 a.m. Sunday in Woodhaven.


The SUV fled the scene going eastbound on Jamaica Avenue.


The 45-year-old man was taken to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition.


CBS 2 Video Report...

South Ozone Park Man Crushed by Car by Howard Koplowitz - YourNabe.com

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A deacon at a South Ozone Park church was killed after he was crushed while working on his prized possession — a 1995 red Toyota Celica — the minister of the church said Tuesday.

Glenmore Miller, a 42-year-old electrician and deacon at the South Ozone Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church, was discovered dead under the car Monday morning, according to the church’s minister, the Rev. Richard Bryant.

“He was always into that car. He was always working on it,” Bryant said in a phone interview Tuesday. “For whatever reason, he wanted that particular car and he kept it.”

Members of Miller’s family, who gathered at his South Ozone Park home on Sutter Avenue, declined to comment.

Miller, who Bryant said became an ordained deacon about three years ago, was known for serving the church, even pitching in during renovations.

“He was loved by everybody,” Bryant said. “You never heard an unkind word of him. He really touched a lot of lives”

Miller was last seen alive Sunday and was found dead Monday.

Bryant said a jack holding up the 1995 red Toyota Celica Miller was working on gave way, crushing him.

He said it was not known whether Miller was killed instantly.

Boulevard of Death Strikes Again: 76-year-old Man Killed on Queens Boulevard by Rocco Parascandola and Rich Schapiro - NY Daily News

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NYPD Highway Patrol investigates an accident where an elderly man was struck by a Dept. of Corrections vehicle on Queens Blvd. - Nicastro for News

The Boulevard of Death has claimed another life.

A 76-year-old man was mowed down early Friday while crossing notorious Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens, police said.

Robert Borchers was crossing 80th Road when a marked Correction Department car heading south slammed into him about 5:30 a.m, police said.

The mortally wounded Borchers was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

It was initially unclear whether he was crossing with the light.

Some witnesses told cops Borchers had the right of way, but cops believe that he was walking against the light.

The driver, a civilian worker, remained on the scene and is not expected to be charged, sources said.

The wide boulevard gained its nickname after 72 pedestrians were killed from 1993 to 2000.

A recent Daily News investigation found three randomly tested intersections where seniors and other pedestrians have to run across in order to beat the light.

It's unclear how much time the light at 80th Road gives pedestrians to cross safely.

Teen Arrested in J Train Slay by Howard Koplowitz - YourNabe.com Queens

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Woodhaven man defended brother before being killed at subway station...

Dario Paiva's mother, Norma, and girlfriend Elizabeth Firpo, who said she is five weeks pregnant, comfort one another at the Paiva home in Woodhaven hours after Dario was stabbed to death. Photo by Christina Santucci

Police arrested an Elmhurst teen Tuesday in connection with the murder of a family-oriented Woodhaven man who was killed trying to fend off a group of attackers who accosted his brother Friday night on the platform of the Forest Park J train station, police and his relatives said.

Benjamin Moreira, 19, of 40-45 Elbertson St. in Corona, was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in the death of 27-year-old Dario Paiva, police said.

“These four guys were making noise and started a scene for no reason,” said Khrystian Paiva, 19, whose brother rushed to his aid and was fatally slashed.

He said one of the men told him his girlfriend broke up with him and a family member died and said he was “going to do something.”

Khrystian said the man pulled out a blade on the J train station at Jamaica Avenue and 85th Street when Dario went to help him.

Khrystian said his brother stumbled after being stabbed while the men rushed out of the station through the emergency exit.

He said one of the men flashed Latin King beads and said he recognized them from the neighborhood, but never spoke to them before.

He said police were late in getting to the scene because dispatchers sent authorities to the wrong address, but the 102nd Precinct could not be reached to confirm Khrystian’s account.

“The one night it actually counts, they didn’t do anything,” he said. “If the police would’ve done their job [Friday] night, you wouldn’t be here right now. You’d be interviewing the suspects, not me.”

The family held a vigil at the scene of the murder Saturday night.

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Khrystian said when the family visited the memorial again Tuesday, it was gone.

City Sanitation Department spokesman Keith Mellis said he could not confirm if Sanitation removed the memorial.

Khrystian described his brother, whose girlfriend is five weeks pregnant, as family-oriented.

“He helped everyone out, even if it was 4 in the morning,” he said. “If somebody came and knocked on his door, he was always there to help. He always helped his family.”

Dario attended Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn and was going to transfer to Queens College, where Khrystian went to school, so he could be closer to his brother.

“He’d want everybody to be happy right now,” Khrystian said. “He’d want everybody to be happy and safe.”

Norma Paiva, Dario’s mother, said the family was “devastated.”

“I can’t even express. This is so painful because we lost two brothers,” she said, referring to her son Dante, who died in a car accident four years ago. “There’s so much pain and so much emptiness. It’s a pain that I can’t describe. I just hope they catch these guys. What they did to my son is something they’ll have to pay [for].”

Man Arrested in Queens Subway Killing by Andy Newman - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com

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A 19-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder in the Friday night stabbing of a man attacked by a group of people inside an elevated subway station in Queens, the police said.

The suspect, Benjamin Moreira of Elbertson Street in Elmhurst, is believed to have stabbed the victim, Dario Paiva, law enforcement officials said. Mr. Moreira was also charged with criminal weapon possession, the police said.

It was not immediately clear if the authorities were still seeking other people in the attack; the police said Saturday that there were as many as four men and two women involved. The police have not identified a motive in the case.

Mr. Paiva, 27, a construction worker and nursing student, had run from his house in Woodhaven around 11:30 p.m. Friday to help his younger brother, who was being beaten outside a video store on Jamaica Avenue near 85th Street, his mother said.

Mr. Paiva chased his brother’s attackers and caught up with them on the eastbound platform of the elevated 85th Street-Forest Parkway Station on the J line. He was stabbed in the throat and died soon after, the police said. His brother Khristian Paiva, 19, was not seriously injured.

Al Baker contributed reporting.

Gas Tanker Strikes, Kills Teen In Queens - NY1.com

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A 13-year-old boy was killed Monday after being hit by a truck in Queens.

Police say the teen was riding his bike when he was struck by an 18-wheel gas truck at Fresh Pond Road and Eliot Avenue in Middle Village.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at Wykoff Medical Center.

The driver of the truck stayed at the scene.

NYPD: Man Killed by LIRR Train in Flushing - Newsday

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 Emergency vehicles respond at the Broadway stop on the LIRR in Flushing, N.Y., where a man was struck by a train according to New York City police. Photo credit: Adam Abramson

A man was struck and killed by an LIRR train in Flushing on the Port Washington line, according to New York City police.

The incident occurred at the Broadway station late in the evening rush, and at least a dozen emergency vehicles responded to the scene.

There are 10 to 15 minute delays in both directions on the line, according to the Long Island Rail Road website.

Track worker's Death in Queens to Spark $50 Million Lawsuit Against City by John Marzulli - NY Daily News

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The widow of a track worker electrocuted on a third rail in Queens is set to file a $50 million wrongful death suit against the city, the Daily News has learned.

Jackie Knell will file a notice to sue today, charging there were numerous violations at the work site April 26, when her husband slipped and fell.

Lawyer Sanford Rubenstein said the "third-rail protecting boards were removed and there was no signage or lights alerting employees of the exposed third rail."

The News reported last month that a preliminary investigation of the tragedy raised a number of safety concerns, including that Knell was lugging 90 pounds of spikes when he apparently lost his balance.

A spokeswoman for NYC Transit declined to comment.