×

Please verify

Blaze Media
Watch LIVE

Video of firecracker thrown at sleeping​ NYC homeless man goes viral; residents rip Mayor Bill de Blasio outside mansion over issue

News

The mayor is expected to announce a crackdown on illegal fireworks suppliers Tuesday morning

Image source: Twitter video screenshot

On the heels of a viral video showing someone tossing a firecracker at a sleeping homeless man in Harlem early Monday morning — after which it exploded while the perps laughed and ran away — New York City police pledged to find those responsible, WCBS-AM reported.

"The inhumanity of this crime is shocking to everyone who watches," NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan tweeted. "The NYPD WILL apprehend those responsible for using fireworks to assault our fellow New Yorker in Harlem yesterday. If you have any info, please contact @NYPDTips at #800577TIPS."

The 66-year-old victim was hospitalized with minor burns after the incident on West 113th Street and is expected to recover, WCBS reported.

More from the station:

It's just the latest in an increasing number of firework incidents around the city.

There have been more than 1,700 fireworks complaints to 311 since May 29. Fed up New Yorkers gathered to stage a loud protest Monday night outside Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence. Protesters honked their horns and chanted, "We don't sleep, you don't sleep" as they demanded the mayor take action to address the firework problem.

What did de Blasio have to say?

"I'm worried that someone's going to get hurt, besides the fact that it's a nuisance and quality of life problem, I'm really worried that some kid's going to get hurt," de Blasio told NY1, according to WCBS.

The mayor's press secretary tweeted Monday night that de Blasio will announce a multi-agency crackdown on illegal fireworks suppliers Tuesday morning, the station added.

Most recent

Sonic employee arrested after customer found cocaine after biting into a hot dog: Police

Ireland considering killing 200,000 cows to fight climate change

All Articles