Mynisha's Law, Named After Eleven Year Old Victim, Would Help Combat Gang Violence

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to create a Federal Gang Task Force.  Mynisha’s Law is a gang prevention bill that focuses on all aspects of the fight against gangs – from at-risk youth intervention to literacy, employment, and community policing.  The legislation is named after eleven year old murder victim and San Bernardino resident, Mynisha Crenshaw.
 
“Too many innocent children have fallen victim to the horrors of gang violence,” said Rep. Baca.  “I am proud to sponsor this necessary legislation, which establishes an Interagency Gang Prevention Task Force to coordinate efforts focused on gang prevention.”

Mynisha Crenshaw was killed on November 13, 2005, while eating Sunday dinner with her family, after gang members shot at the Crenshaw residence, located at the Cedarwood Apartments in the Del Rosa neighborhood of San Bernardino.   

Mynisha’s Law would allow the Attorney General to establish a Federal Gang Task Force, comprised of members from the Departments of Justice, Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development.  The Task Force would create a comprehensive national gang prevention strategy that would focus on all aspects of the fight against gangs – from at-risk youth intervention to literacy, employment, and community policing. 

“Congress must provide local law enforcement with the federal assistance necessary to keep crime off the streets and make our communities safer for everyone,” concluded Rep. Baca.   “It is important that we explore all avenues in the fight against gang violence.  We are fighting for the future of our communities and our nation, to make tomorrow a better and safer place for our children.”