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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday slammed Bill de Blasio’s handling of riots in his city, calling it a “disgrace” and saying he has the power to “displace” the mayor — though doesn’t want to at this point.
“The NYPD, the mayor did not do their job last night,” Cuomo said of New York City’s mayor. “It was a disgrace.”
He said the mayor “underestimates” the scope of the problem, suggesting he needs to deploy more police.
In an extraordinary statement, he went on to say his “option is to displace the mayor … bring in the National Guard” and essentially “take over.”
However, he said, “I don’t think we’re at that point.”
He added, “That would be such a chaotic situation in the midst of an already chaotic situation. I don’t think that makes any sense.”
De Blasio earlier Tuesday announced that the city’s curfew will be extended through the end of the week following yet another night of looting, destruction and “vicious attacks on police officers.”
The decision to order residents to stay indoors from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. comes as De Blasio simultaneously urged local community leaders to “not let outsiders attack” by stepping forward, creating peace and taking charge of their neighborhoods. The Democrat’s administration so far has failed to stop roving bands of looters from ransacking everything from chain stores to mom-and-pop businesses in recent days.
“We are going to ensure there are additional NYPD resources where they are needed,” de Blasio told reporters Tuesday while announcing the curfew extension. “We are going to work actively and strategically to stop any disorder, but again community leaders need to be a part of this effort.”
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When de Blasio was asked by a reporter if he intends to call in the National Guard for help – as many governors across the U.S. have done in hopes to quell rioting linked to George Floyd demonstrations – he poured cold water on the idea.
“We do not need, nor do we think it is wise for the National Guard to be in New York City. Nor any armed forces,” he said. “When outside armed forces go into communities no good comes of it.”
New York City implemented its first curfew in decades Monday night around 11 p.m. But before that even went into effect — the looting was well underway, particularly in the Manhattan and Bronx boroughs.
The New York City Police Department tells Fox News that 700 arrests were made overnight. A half dozen police officers were injured, while at least six police vehicles were vandalized, the department adds.
“I know we will overcome this. I want to be abundantly clear… we are going to have a tough few days, we are going to beat it back,” de Blasio said Tuesday. “How are we going to beat it back? We are going to beat it back by asking authentic leaders of communities to step forward, take charge. Community leaders, civic leaders, clergy, elected officials… all the people who actually represent communities. Step forward, create peace, own your community.
“Do not let outsiders attack your community, do not let a violent few attack your community,” he continued. “Stand up, I’ll be standing by you. I’ll be supporting you. The NYPD will be supporting you.”
In addition to the looting that took place in New York City overnight, in the Bronx, a shocking video posted on social media showed an officer being struck by a vehicle in what appeared to be a deliberate hit-and-run. NYPD officials say the victim was a sergeant who is now in serious but stable condition at a local hospital.
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In another video out of the Bronx, curfew-defying looters beat a cop to the ground in a disturbing scene.
“We saw vicious attacks on police officers, that is wholly unacceptable. It does not represent the people of this city,” de Blasio said Tuesday during his press conference while slamming his fist on his desk to emphasize his point.
“Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks all of us. I want to be abundantly clear about that,” he added.
De Blasio – who has a tumultuous relationship with the city’s police unions – also urged New Yorkers to show cops their support.
“NYPD leadership and NYPD officers every single day are trying to make things better. Is everyone perfect? No. There are some people who should not be in the police force, I’ve said that before and we will do that work,” he said. “But the overwhelming majority of our officers are standing up for us every single day, protecting us every single day. They need our respect and support right now. They are in so many ways holding this city together right now, which is exactly what we want in a democracy.”
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NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, speaking to residents concerned about the current state of the Big Apple, also pledged that his rank-and-file will be out there to protect.
“To the people of New York City – whether you are a mom trying to raise a family, whether you are a store owner in Manhattan who was victimized by senseless looting, whether you are a member of the clergy. From Brooklyn to Staten Island, from Inwood in Manhattan and everywhere in between – the New York City Police Department will be there to protect you and make sure that criminals do not run New York City,” he said Tuesday while appearing alongside de Blasio. “We will control this, we have this, and you can have faith in that.”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich, Lissa Kaplan and Dom Calicchio contributed to this report.
