Every year before the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, thousands of New Yorkers take to the streets in Crown Heights to celebrate Caribbean culture during a festival known as J'Ouvert. However, the early-morning festivities have often turned violent and drawn criticism. In an attempt to preserve the festival while making it safer, the mayor and the NYPD announced new security measures Monday — two weeks before revelers hit the streets.
The drumbeats of J'ouvert have been drowned out with wailing sirens. The pre-dawn Caribbean celebration is now notorious for violence. Two people were shot and killed last year.
The year before an aide to Governor Cuomo was caught in the crossfire. He died as well.
Mayor Bill de Blasio says no more.
"This has to get better," the mayor said. "We will not accept violence."
On Monday, the mayor and the police commissioner unveiled new security measures for the celebration, which occurs before the West Indian Day Parade on Labor Day weekend.
For one, the city is pushing the start time forward from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. hoping daylight will deter violence.
To get on the parade route attendees will have to be screened by metal detectors at one of twelve checkpoints.
They will not be allowed to bring large bags or alcohol — similar security measures are deployed in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Outside of the route, expect a larger police presence and a crackdown on "quality of life crimes."
"We tried something last year and now we have to up that to keep people safe," said NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill. "No shootings on the route are acceptable."
But stroll the neighborhood and residents are skeptical, convinced the party will go on.
"I think it will create some conflict between the police department and the people who have been doing this for years," said one. "This is part of the neighborhood. It's a part of the culture."
"There are people that come from out of the country from different states to come here for that," said another. "It ain't going to stop somebody."
The mayor says otherwise.
"You are going to see something you have never seen before," de Blasio said. "Literally in the whole history of J'Ouvert in New York City, which goes back generations you've never seen this approach before. I think this is going to be very different and very effective."
Now the question is should this violence continue, would the mayor consider ending this celebration entirely. When we asked him, he said he does not deal in hypotheticals.