State assemblyman wants J'Ouvert festival suspended

The J'Ouvert festival leading up to the West Indian Day parade is expected to continue next year despite more violence amid this year's proceedings, but one Brooklyn assemblyman says it is time for the festival to be suspended.

Following the death of Carey Gabay, an aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, during last year's festivities, the city stepped up safety measures for this year's pre-dawn celebration. Increased police and illuminated lights in the area did not help stymie deadly violence.

Two people this year were killed and a number of others were wounded by gunfire and stabbings. An arrest was made in one of the shootings, outside the Western Beef supermarket. The suspect in the other shooting remains at large.

State Assemblyman Walter Mosley (D-Brooklyn), who himself has Caribbean roots, believes the festival should be suspended until it is determined how the violence is related to how the celebration is carried out.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has promised a thorough review of the bloodshed, but says he is committed to keeping the party going.