New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is strongly criticizing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the city’s police department due to civil unrest amid the George Floyd protests.
During his press briefing on Tuesday, Cuomo discussed the series of events that occurred last night in “The Big Apple” as protests intensified. According to the governor, de Blasio and New York City Police Department (NYPD) failed to effectively do their job.
“The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night. I believe that,” Cuomo said.
“You have 38,000 NYPD people. It is the largest police department in the United States of America,” Cuomo continued. “Use 38.000 people and protect property. Use the police to protect property and people. Look at the videos. It was a disgrace. I believe that.”
Of the 38,000-person force, approximately 8,000 officers were present on the city’s streets, as looters ravaged the city.
Cuomo went on to say he believes the mayor “underestimates the scope of the problem” and the “duration of the problem.”
Although Cuomo offered the National Guard to de Blasio, the mayor reportedly refused.
Now, Cuomo is considering displacing the mayor to activate the National Guard and basically “take over” the mayor’s job. However, Cuomo does not believe the city’s issue has escalated to that point, as he noted that it would likely lead to more chaos.
See Cuomo’s remarks below:
#BREAKING: Cuomo says de Blasio can be "displaced" and that he can "take over the Mayor's job."
— The Hill (@thehill) June 2, 2020
Cuomo: "The NYPD and the Mayor did not do their job last night…It was a disgrace." pic.twitter.com/NizwmXyW9H
Cuomo’s remarks come amid ongoing chaos in the streets of New York City. While peaceful protests have taken place, there have been instances where those protests have escalated to physical violence and vandalism. During the evening hours, looting has also escalated.
Luxury stores in Lower Manhattan’s affluent SOHO district have been left ransacked, vandalized, and looted, leaving owners to pick up to pieces.
Chanel, Apple, Rolex, and other high-end stores have all been looted. Pharmacies, coffee shops, and banks have also been targeted throughout the city.
Overnight, NYPD arrested about 250 people. Cuomo has imposed an 11:00 p.m. curfew for the state of New York.