Bang-Bang-Bang in City Hall, “New York Security Collapses"

A lawmaker was shot to death in the chamber of New York City Hall, one of the most tightly guarded buildings since the September 11, in broad daylight. The news was promptly spread through TV news, and not only New Yorkers once, but the whole Americans who heard the news again had to feel anxiety.

Othniel Askew, 31, who was sitting at the visitor’s seat on the balcony of the second floor City Hall chamber pulled out a gun at Wednesday 2 p.m. when the meeting was about to take place with about 20 participating lawmakers, and killed councilman James Davis, 41.

“The gunman fired about 10 times repeatedly aiming down the chamber,” eyewitnesses said. Askew was then shot dead by the New York Police at the City Hall.

Davis also was carrying an authorized gun but did not have time to use it in his defense, sources said. At the time of the shootings, children who were on the excursion at the City Hall escaped to the Mayor’s room while Mayor Michael Bloomberg was doing his paper work in his room.

The City Hall has metal detectors, but Askew did not have to pass metal detector as he arrived as Davis’s guest.

“The elected officials did not have to go through security checks, but, from now on, everyone, including the mayor and lawmakers have to enter the buiding through metal detectors,” Bloomberg said.

Brooklyn born Davis had turned to a police officer and dedicated to non-violence movement after having beaten by white police officers, he then was elected as congressman in 2001. As a congressman, he successfully lobbied the largest toy retailer in the U.S., Toys R Us, to stop selling toy guns

Davis was the political rival to Askew in getting the Democratic Party nomination in the upcoming city council elections in fall. Rources say they had disputes over Davis’ not offering a job to Askew.

Kwan-Hee Hong konihong@donga.com