Assemblyman Charles D. Fall Statement on the Tragic Loss of Syles Ular and Destiny Vega

October 10, 2023

I am deeply shaken and heartbroken by the tragic loss of our young souls in Staten Island. Syles Ular, at the tender age of 13, and Destiny Vega, merely 17, embodied the hope and potential of our community's future. Their untimely departures serve as a grim reminder of the dreams and aspirations we have lost, and the voids that can never be filled. These are not just statistics; these are our children, our future, and our responsibility. Their memories underscore the urgency to address this pressing issue.

The escalating tide of youth violence in Staten Island is a challenge that we must confront collectively. It is not enough to mourn; we must act. We need a united front from every sector of our community – parents, teachers, law enforcement, civic leaders, and more – to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated. Our children deserve safe environments to grow, learn, and thrive. It is our duty to guarantee that they have a future free from fear and filled with promise and opportunity. Together, we can build that future.