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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.
SHOCK VIDEO: Thugs are seen throwing fireworks at what appears to be a sleeping homeless man on Malcolm X Blvd in… https://t.co/pXOsjHevDq— NYC Scanner (@NYC Scanner) 1592869351.0
"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.
Hundreds are protesting outside Gracie Mansion in #Manhattan right now after @NYCMayor refuses to do anything about… https://t.co/K6bepjT2Hm— NYC Scanner (@NYC Scanner) 1592884962.0
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.
