Co-Founder of Bed-Stuy Aquarium Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison
Attempted Murder and Assault Charges
Hajj Lovick, 48, a co-founder of the infamous Bed-Stuy Aquarium, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and five years of probation for attempted murder, attempted assault, assault, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm.
The Incident
The incident occurred on June 15, 2023, outside a bar on Tompkins Avenue in Bed-Stuy. Lovick and the victim, a 51-year-old man, got into a heated verbal argument, which escalated when Lovick pulled out a knife and lunged at the victim. The two men eventually cooled off, and Lovick returned with a gun and fired twice at the victim and a crowd of bystanders, striking the victim once in the shin. The entire altercation was captured on surveillance video.
Arrest and Trial
Lovick fled the scene but left his knife behind. He was arrested on June 19, 2023. He was released on bail on July 24, 2023. Lovick was convicted after trial last month and was sentenced on January 3.
The Bed-Stuy Aquarium
The Bed-Stuy Aquarium, a makeshift goldfish "pond" in a sidewalk pit, was created by Lovick and his neighbors in the summer of 2023. The project was controversial, with some residents loving it and others criticizing the treatment of the fish. The aquarium was shut down in October after the FDNY fixed a leaky fire hydrant, but Lovick and his collaborators quickly re-installed a makeshift tank in the same location. The aquarium was closed again in December due to freezing temperatures.
Sentencing and Reactions
In court, Lovick and his attorney asked for leniency, citing the Bed-Stuy Aquarium as evidence of Lovick’s ties to the community. However, the judge and an assistant district attorney were unimpressed. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, "Today’s sentence sends a clear message that senseless acts of gun violence have no place in Brooklyn… This brazen disregard for safety is unacceptable."
Conclusion
The sentence sends a strong message about the consequences of violent behavior. The Bed-Stuy Aquarium may have brought the community together, but it is no excuse for Lovick’s actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for responsible gun ownership.
FAQs
Q: What was the Bed-Stuy Aquarium?
A: The Bed-Stuy Aquarium was a makeshift goldfish "pond" created by Lovick and his neighbors in a sidewalk pit.
Q: Why was the aquarium controversial?
A: The aquarium was controversial due to the treatment of the fish and concerns about the project’s legitimacy.
Q: What happened to the aquarium?
A: The aquarium was shut down in October and re-installed in December, and then closed again in December due to freezing temperatures.
Q: What is the current status of the project?
A: The project is currently on hold, with plans to create an "upgraded, temporary aquarium" and a permanent one in the future.
