HAVI Statement on the Killing of Frontline Violence Prevention Professional Najee Seabrooks

March 7, 2023 — Last Friday, Najee Seabrooks—a frontline violence prevention professional with Paterson Healing Collective (PHC), which leads Paterson, New Jersey’s, first hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP)—was shot and killed by police who responded to a call requesting help for a man experiencing a mental health crisis. The following is a statement from the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI) on Najee’s killing: 

“In solidarity with our colleagues at Paterson Healing Collective—whom we have worked closely alongside for the past three years to develop Paterson’s first HVIP—the HAVI mourns the devastating loss of a beloved member of our network, Najee Seabrooks. We were heartbroken to learn that Najee—who himself was a survivor of gun violence and later dedicated his life to bringing safety and peace to his Paterson community—was shot and killed in his own apartment while experiencing a mental health crisis. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. 

Najee’s killing at the hands of police highlights the urgent need for communities to rethink their approach to mental health crisis response and for the implementation of public health response teams that are specially trained to work with individuals in crisis. It is particularly disturbing that Najee’s PHC team—which is trained in crisis response—rushed to the scene to help only to be denied access to him by the police. 

The tragic end to Najee’s life also brings to light the inherent risks and challenges of frontline violence intervention and the critical need to support frontline workers’ safety. Many of those who dedicate themselves to this work come from the communities they serve, and many have faced and overcome the same types of challenges and traumas—violence, poverty, racism—as the violently injured patients with whom they work closely. Additionally, frontline workers experience chronic exposure to violence and vicarious trauma on the job, which can have a profound and lasting impact on their well-being.  

As a national organization that fosters a network of HVIPs, the HAVI has long advocated for more investment in comprehensive support for frontline violence prevention professionals. This includes systems-wide investments into community safety, access to meaningful mental health and wellness support, and the coordination of city and statewide resources to address the complex issue of community violence. 

We stand with our colleagues at Paterson Healing Collective, and we echo their calls to reform the justice system in ways that transform and heal communities. Najee deserved better, as do all those who will carry on his life’s work to bring peace and healing to communities impacted by violence.” 

We invite all frontline violence prevention professionals to join us later this month for a special session of Brave Space focused on grief and trauma. Brave Space is a gathering space open to all frontline violence intervention workers, whether employed at a HAVI member program or another violence intervention program. Created by and for frontline workers, it is a space to come together and share, learn, heal and be brave. Please visit our website to learn more or to register to attend the session.