Rochester Letter Carrier Shot; Safety Bill Stalled

A postal worker in Rochester was shot on Saturday while on duty, sustaining injuries that are not life-threatening. The 58-year-old victim was struck in the upper body while in his work vehicle near Canal Street and West Main Street. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and no suspects have been apprehended.

Monique Mate, the union president for the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 210, emphasized the inherent dangers faced by postal workers daily. She noted that while attacks and robberies on carriers were more frequent about a year ago, leading to local support for protective legislation, recent incidents like this shooting raise renewed concerns.

Legislation proposed last year would have granted postal workers increased protection by equating attacks on them to assaults on police officers. However, this bill has not advanced significantly toward passage. Mate expressed disappointment, stating that the repercussions for such attacks are currently minimal, and called for stronger measures to ensure carrier safety.