Flyer Warns Residents 'Do Not Shoot Anyone' During J'Ouvert Celebrations

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A new flyer warning residents in Brooklyn to celebrate the J'Ouvert festival safely is causing some controversy with residents.

J'Ouvert is a celebration of Caribbean pride, culture and heritage leading up to the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, but the event has become linked with violence.

Last year, two people were killed. A 21-year-old man was stabbed at Grand Army Plaza and 43-year-old aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Carey Gabay, died after police said he was caught in the crossfire between rival gangs on Bedford Avenue.

The 71st precinct tweeted a picture of the flyer on Thursday. It reads in part: "This community will no longer tolerate this violence. Do not shoot anyone. Do not stab anyone. Every act of violence will be fully investigated and prosecuted."

But some residents say they're not tolerating the tone of the flyer.

"Do not do this, do not do that," resident Josh Mills told CBS2's Ali Bauman. "I mean, it's patronizing."

The NYPD said the flyer "was specifically prepared to address those individuals, including known gang/crew members, who have historically been known to resort to violence during the period of the J'Ouvert celebration."

In July, police said new safety measures were also being put in place ahead of this year's parade.

In:
• Brooklyn
• New York City Police Department