Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City revealed that President Trump consented to issue a visa for the mother of an adolescent slain in the Bronx. The decision allows the woman to travel from Ghana to the United States immediately. This comes after her son, Javits Frimpong, was shot and died on Thursday.
The 15-year-old victim was on his way to school near Crotona Park when he was shot in the abdomen. He died later that day at St. Barnabas Hospital, police said. His father, Thomas Frimpong, has lived in the U.S. for two decades but often visits his wife in Ghana.
A Promise Made to a Grieving Father
Mayor Mamdani spoke about the situation on Saturday after speaking with the President. He said the President agreed to the visa request without delay. “The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away,” Mamdani said, according to the New York Post.
According to Mamdani, the mother merits the opportunity to bid farewell to her child face-to-face. He mentioned having just concluded a telephone conversation with President Trump. Mamdani declared that Javits Frimpong’s mother deserves to say goodbye to her son in person. The Mayor asserted that the entire New York City community is grieving this tragedy.
Police Search for Suspects
Three teenagers are being sought by detectives regarding the shooting, per reports. No detentions have occurred while the case remains under active investigation. The teenager had relocated from Ghana to reside with his father roughly a year prior.
The school is Dreamyard Preparatory School. Counseling services were provided to students and staff by the New York City Department of Education.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) also spoke about the tragedy. “Every child in the Bronx deserves to walk to school without fearing for their life,” Torres said, according to the Washington Examiner. He added that no parent should have to endure what Javits’s father is going through now.
Government Officials Reach Out
Officials from Ghana have also reached out to the family. Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa said he spoke with Frimpong’s father on Friday. He stated that he personally delivered the sympathies of the Government and people of Ghana.
The Foreign Minister also promised action. He indicated the Foreign Ministry will “work tirelessly with US authorities to ensure justice is secured”. A vigil was held Friday night to honor Frimpong’s life. It was attended by religious leaders and community members.
Video footage shows the teen sprinting for his life through his neighborhood. Around 9:25 a.m., he fell at East 171 Street and Third Avenue after being shot in the stomach. Police have not identified a suspect or discussed a motive.
