Peralta Calls For Vigilance In Gang Related Death

Pictured left to right: Eneria Regalado (Genesis' grandmother along with two cousins), Fernando Regalado (Uncle), Assemblyman Jose Peralta, Yonel Letellier (Chief of Staff of Assemblyman Peralta), Arnaldo Salinas (Guardian Angels) and Curtis Sliwa (President and Founder Guardian Angels).

Assemblymmember Jose Peralta was joined today by the Guardian Angels and the local community to bring awareness of increasing violence in Corona, Queens. Peralta called for more vigilance in the area and implemented mechanisms to avoid further violence. Peralta stated, "Again, another young, innocent life is lost. The death of 11-year-old Genesis Regalado is yet another example of the terrible situation that we must face in this community where it appears there is only one way out. Local city, state, and federal agencies must not continue to turn the other cheek, they must address this issue appropriately. We must organize, protect, defend and castigate the perpetrators of this heinous crime to the fullest extent of the law."

On Monday, July 17, 11-year-old Genesis Regalado was gunned down outside her home while playing in an open fire hydrant. The drive-by shooting stemmed from an earlier altercation at a local Chinese food restaurant between Regalado's brother and a few of his friends. Sources have stated that this tragic event was the culmination of a series of incidences between members of two local gangs.