Mafia Warns ISIS: The Big Apple is Off Limits

 In an interview with NBC News, Giovanni Gambino, son of a key figure in the Gambino crime syndicate, describes the historical reality that led to the birth of the Sicilian Mafia – and how its modern elements are at work today protecting New York City neighborhoods from Middle Eastern terrorists. In the wake of the heinous attacks in Paris, that protection is more important than ever.

"The Mafia has a bad reputation, but much of that's undeserved," says Gambino. "As with everything in life, there are good, bad and ugly parts – the rise of global terrorism gives the Mafia a chance to show its good side."

Gambino says that ISIS fears the Sicilian Mafia, therefore no underground cells have taken root in Sicily, and the island has not suffered any terrorist incidents. He believes that same kind of grassroots protection is in force in New York today.

The FBI and Homeland Security are limited in what they can do, according to Gambino. They often act too late, or fail to see a complete picture of what's happening due to a lack of "human intelligence" – the knowledge of individual movements and actions that even the best technology can't always capture. The Mafia and its allies, however, are connected to neighborhoods in a meaningful way. Wherever the Sicilian influence is strong in New York, ISIS interlopers simply won't be able to set up shop.

"The world is dangerous today, but people living in New York neighborhoods with Sicilian connections should feel safe," he adds. "We make sure our friends and families are protected from extremists and terrorists, especially the brutal, psychopathic organization that calls itself the Islamic State."

About Giovanni Gambino
Giovanni Gambino was born in the province of Palermo in Sicily. He grew up in Torretta, located in a mountainous area overlooking Palermo. He is the youngest in a family that included four sisters and a brother. His family moved to the neighborhood known as Bensonhurst in southwest Brooklyn in 1988. Over the years, Giovanni has developed a passion for writing, including screenwriting. Giovanni has fostered relationships with major movie producers, and he is on his way to building a highly respected career in Hollywood.