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Cuomo Criticizes de Blasio Over Looting After Widespread Looting, Curfew Is Moved Up to 8 P.M.
(32 minutes later)
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday sharply criticized the New York Police Department and second-guessed Mayor Bill de Blasio’s handling of the widespread looting that seized parts of New York City on Monday night.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday sharply criticized the New York Police Department and second-guessed Mayor Bill de Blasio’s handling of the widespread looting that seized parts of New York City on Monday night.
“The N.Y.P.D. and the mayor did not do their job last night,” Mr. Cuomo said. “It was rampant looting across the city last night that they did not stop.”“The N.Y.P.D. and the mayor did not do their job last night,” Mr. Cuomo said. “It was rampant looting across the city last night that they did not stop.”
“Look at the videos — it was a disgrace,” the governor said, adding that Mr. de Blasio “underestimates the scope of the problem” in controlling the nightly protests that have been marred by looting and violent outbursts from participants and police officers alike.“Look at the videos — it was a disgrace,” the governor said, adding that Mr. de Blasio “underestimates the scope of the problem” in controlling the nightly protests that have been marred by looting and violent outbursts from participants and police officers alike.
Mr. Cuomo said the state police and 13,000 members of the National Guard were on standby. But Mr. de Blasio has said he opposes bringing in the National Guard, as President Trump has encouraged.Mr. Cuomo said the state police and 13,000 members of the National Guard were on standby. But Mr. de Blasio has said he opposes bringing in the National Guard, as President Trump has encouraged.
“We do not need nor do we think it’s wise for the National Guard to be in New York City,” Mr. de Blasio said at his daily briefing on Tuesday, calling it unwise to bring “outside armed forces into a situation they are not trained for.”“We do not need nor do we think it’s wise for the National Guard to be in New York City,” Mr. de Blasio said at his daily briefing on Tuesday, calling it unwise to bring “outside armed forces into a situation they are not trained for.”
The mayor extended the city’s 8 p.m. curfew through June 7 and promised to take action against the “outsiders,” “gang members” and “common criminals” he said were responsible for looting and violence in Manhattan and the Bronx on Monday night.The mayor extended the city’s 8 p.m. curfew through June 7 and promised to take action against the “outsiders,” “gang members” and “common criminals” he said were responsible for looting and violence in Manhattan and the Bronx on Monday night.
“I know we will overcome this. I want to be abundantly clear,” the mayor said before adding that “we will have a tough few days.”“I know we will overcome this. I want to be abundantly clear,” the mayor said before adding that “we will have a tough few days.”
The mayor defended the police response to the looting, and called on civic, religious and neighborhood leaders to step forward and encourage peaceful protests while telling New Yorkers to prepare for a few more days of unrest.The mayor defended the police response to the looting, and called on civic, religious and neighborhood leaders to step forward and encourage peaceful protests while telling New Yorkers to prepare for a few more days of unrest.
Mr. Cuomo repeatedly said he would need to “displace” the mayor in order to send in the National Guard. But to do so now, he added, could make an already chaotic situation even worse.Mr. Cuomo repeatedly said he would need to “displace” the mayor in order to send in the National Guard. But to do so now, he added, could make an already chaotic situation even worse.
But the governor made clear that the onus was on the mayor to get things under control.But the governor made clear that the onus was on the mayor to get things under control.
“I am not happy with last night, and the police did not do their job last night,” the governor said. “What happened in New York City is inexcusable.”“I am not happy with last night, and the police did not do their job last night,” the governor said. “What happened in New York City is inexcusable.”
Mr. de Blasio seemed to be trying to accomplish two goals in his briefing: unifying New Yorkers against recent acts of violence and looting, and explaining why a citywide curfew was necessary.Mr. de Blasio seemed to be trying to accomplish two goals in his briefing: unifying New Yorkers against recent acts of violence and looting, and explaining why a citywide curfew was necessary.
By beginning the curfew at 8 p.m. instead of 11 p.m., the police would be in better position to address “any situation where someone is trying to do violence to person or property,” the mayor said in explaining his decision.By beginning the curfew at 8 p.m. instead of 11 p.m., the police would be in better position to address “any situation where someone is trying to do violence to person or property,” the mayor said in explaining his decision.
He said that New Yorkers — from the city’s Police Department to ordinary citizens — were better equipped to deal with the looting and violence than outsiders like the National Guard.He said that New Yorkers — from the city’s Police Department to ordinary citizens — were better equipped to deal with the looting and violence than outsiders like the National Guard.
“The people of New York City are strong and resilient. The people of New York City are good and decent people. The people of New York City stand up no matter what’s thrown at them,” Mr. de Blasio said.“The people of New York City are strong and resilient. The people of New York City are good and decent people. The people of New York City stand up no matter what’s thrown at them,” Mr. de Blasio said.
He talked about being born in the city in 1961 and how over the next few decades it had overcome the threat of financial collapse, white flight and the AIDS and crack epidemics of the 1980s and ’90s.He talked about being born in the city in 1961 and how over the next few decades it had overcome the threat of financial collapse, white flight and the AIDS and crack epidemics of the 1980s and ’90s.
The mayor added that the city was still in the midst of an enormous health challenge in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak; he said that the city was moving forward to begin the first phase of reopening on June 8 in spite of the unrest. He cited statistics showing a decline in the number of coronavirus infections.The mayor added that the city was still in the midst of an enormous health challenge in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak; he said that the city was moving forward to begin the first phase of reopening on June 8 in spite of the unrest. He cited statistics showing a decline in the number of coronavirus infections.
Just two weeks ago, he said, the city was focused almost exclusively on beating back the pandemic. But the combination of the coronavirus and the economic ruin it has brought, along with the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota, has taken a toll on the city.Just two weeks ago, he said, the city was focused almost exclusively on beating back the pandemic. But the combination of the coronavirus and the economic ruin it has brought, along with the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota, has taken a toll on the city.
“This is a horrible perfect storm we’re living through,” the mayor said.“This is a horrible perfect storm we’re living through,” the mayor said.
In 1943, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia imposed an emergency curfew after rioting in Harlem that was touched off when a white police officer shot a black soldier. Five people were killed during the ensuing protests. The city was also subject to a nationwide curfew on “places of public amusement,” such as bars in 1945, as a fuel conservation measure.In 1943, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia imposed an emergency curfew after rioting in Harlem that was touched off when a white police officer shot a black soldier. Five people were killed during the ensuing protests. The city was also subject to a nationwide curfew on “places of public amusement,” such as bars in 1945, as a fuel conservation measure.
At the National September 11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, police vastly outnumbered the peaceful protesters who had gathered there to sing gospel songs, offer prayers, and, in the words of one organizer, “be the voice of reason” when there is violence.At the National September 11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, police vastly outnumbered the peaceful protesters who had gathered there to sing gospel songs, offer prayers, and, in the words of one organizer, “be the voice of reason” when there is violence.
It was a peaceful start following a violent night of looting and police confrontations that ended with more than 700 people arrested, according to police officials. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday urged local community leaders to help prevent violence and looting that have taken place amid protests following the death at the hands of the police of George Floyd in Minneapolis.It was a peaceful start following a violent night of looting and police confrontations that ended with more than 700 people arrested, according to police officials. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday urged local community leaders to help prevent violence and looting that have taken place amid protests following the death at the hands of the police of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
At the 9/11 memorial, Stephane Clerge, the 27-year-old who founded a group that organized the event, told the crowd, “People that want peace oftentimes stay home.”At the 9/11 memorial, Stephane Clerge, the 27-year-old who founded a group that organized the event, told the crowd, “People that want peace oftentimes stay home.”
“But it’s often in the violence that you should show yourself and be the voice of reason,” he said.“But it’s often in the violence that you should show yourself and be the voice of reason,” he said.
In Upper Manhattan Tuesday morning, a gathering of mostly white demonstrators assembled at 145th Street and Broadway. The group had collected water and face masks and planned to distribute them to other protesters. About 40 people surrounded one of the rally’s organizers, who is white, and announced they would head downtown to Foley Square to join another rally taking place there.In Upper Manhattan Tuesday morning, a gathering of mostly white demonstrators assembled at 145th Street and Broadway. The group had collected water and face masks and planned to distribute them to other protesters. About 40 people surrounded one of the rally’s organizers, who is white, and announced they would head downtown to Foley Square to join another rally taking place there.
Then, a black resident stepped into the middle of the circle and interrupted.Then, a black resident stepped into the middle of the circle and interrupted.
“No disrespect, but you’re all speaking on my behalf and not offering any solution to fix the issue that y’all are trying to march for,” the man said. “What’s the point of coming here if we’re not having a conversation about how we’re going to fix this?”“No disrespect, but you’re all speaking on my behalf and not offering any solution to fix the issue that y’all are trying to march for,” the man said. “What’s the point of coming here if we’re not having a conversation about how we’re going to fix this?”
The crowd applauded, then headed toward a nearby subway station.The crowd applauded, then headed toward a nearby subway station.
At Foley Square, a large crowd of mostly young Black, Latino, and white people hoisted signs showing the names of black people killed by police officers. A sign asked, “Is America Great Yet?” At one point, there were chants of “Resign! Bill de Blasio!” Later, the crowd echoed one speaker’s words when he insisted that they march “Peacefully. Peacefully. Peacefully.”At Foley Square, a large crowd of mostly young Black, Latino, and white people hoisted signs showing the names of black people killed by police officers. A sign asked, “Is America Great Yet?” At one point, there were chants of “Resign! Bill de Blasio!” Later, the crowd echoed one speaker’s words when he insisted that they march “Peacefully. Peacefully. Peacefully.”
President Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to taunt Gov. Cuomo and his brother, Chris Cuomo, the CNN host.President Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to taunt Gov. Cuomo and his brother, Chris Cuomo, the CNN host.
Calling Monday “a bad day for the Cuomo Brothers,” the president wrote on Twitter that “New York was lost to the looters, thugs, Radical Left, and all others forms of Lowlife & Scum.”Calling Monday “a bad day for the Cuomo Brothers,” the president wrote on Twitter that “New York was lost to the looters, thugs, Radical Left, and all others forms of Lowlife & Scum.”
“The Governor refuses to accept my offer of a dominating National Guard,” the president wrote. “NYC was ripped to pieces.”“The Governor refuses to accept my offer of a dominating National Guard,” the president wrote. “NYC was ripped to pieces.”
Several protests in recent days have taken place in front of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue.Several protests in recent days have taken place in front of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue.
Relations between the president and the governor have been intermittently cordial and combative over the past two months, as Mr. Cuomo has emerged as a national figure in fighting the coronavirus in New York State. The governor has met with the president at the White House, but the two have also criticized each other publicly.Relations between the president and the governor have been intermittently cordial and combative over the past two months, as Mr. Cuomo has emerged as a national figure in fighting the coronavirus in New York State. The governor has met with the president at the White House, but the two have also criticized each other publicly.
The president has also taunted Chris Cuomo in the past by calling him Fredo, a reference to the hapless Corleone brother in “The Godfather.”The president has also taunted Chris Cuomo in the past by calling him Fredo, a reference to the hapless Corleone brother in “The Godfather.”
He ended his message on Twitter on Monday with: “Likewise, Fredo’s ratings are down 50%!”He ended his message on Twitter on Monday with: “Likewise, Fredo’s ratings are down 50%!”
At the protests on Monday, participants and observers alike said they had never witnessed expressions of grief and anger of such magnitude.At the protests on Monday, participants and observers alike said they had never witnessed expressions of grief and anger of such magnitude.
“People are not going to go home until they get what they want,” said Mike Tucker, a 54-year old Bronx resident whose 21-year-old son, Stephonne Crawford, was fatally shot by the police in 2005 in Brooklyn.“People are not going to go home until they get what they want,” said Mike Tucker, a 54-year old Bronx resident whose 21-year-old son, Stephonne Crawford, was fatally shot by the police in 2005 in Brooklyn.
But Mr. Tucker, who spoke as he watched protesters gather on the steps of Restoration Plaza in Bedford-Stuyvesant, also denounced the violence and looting that had punctuated the protests in New York.But Mr. Tucker, who spoke as he watched protesters gather on the steps of Restoration Plaza in Bedford-Stuyvesant, also denounced the violence and looting that had punctuated the protests in New York.
“We don’t want it to escalate,” he said. “We don’t want people coming out here tearing up, burning up.”“We don’t want it to escalate,” he said. “We don’t want people coming out here tearing up, burning up.”
Although the protests on Monday were again mostly orderly, they were flecked with moments of tension and confrontation.Although the protests on Monday were again mostly orderly, they were flecked with moments of tension and confrontation.
At one standoff near Washington Square Park in Manhattan, Terence A. Monahan, the Police Department’s chief of department and the city’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, grabbed a microphone to defuse the conflict. Hundreds of officers cordoned off a large group of protesters in front of Radio City Music Hall. And at least 1,000 demonstrators walked onto the F.D.R. Drive in Lower Manhattan, blocking traffic on both sides of the highway near the Brooklyn Bridge.At one standoff near Washington Square Park in Manhattan, Terence A. Monahan, the Police Department’s chief of department and the city’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, grabbed a microphone to defuse the conflict. Hundreds of officers cordoned off a large group of protesters in front of Radio City Music Hall. And at least 1,000 demonstrators walked onto the F.D.R. Drive in Lower Manhattan, blocking traffic on both sides of the highway near the Brooklyn Bridge.
The scene involving Chief Monahan ended with him taking a knee and locking arms with protesters.The scene involving Chief Monahan ended with him taking a knee and locking arms with protesters.
A photo of the chief making the show of solidarity with those rallying against police brutality was reported and published by Gothamist. A separate video posted on Twitter by a CBS reporter captured his remarks before he made the symbolic gesture.A photo of the chief making the show of solidarity with those rallying against police brutality was reported and published by Gothamist. A separate video posted on Twitter by a CBS reporter captured his remarks before he made the symbolic gesture.
“This has got to end. We all know Minnesota was wrong,” Chief Monahan says in the video, addressing protesters about Mr. Floyd’s death. “There is not a police officer over here that thinks Minnesota was justified. We stand with you on that.”“This has got to end. We all know Minnesota was wrong,” Chief Monahan says in the video, addressing protesters about Mr. Floyd’s death. “There is not a police officer over here that thinks Minnesota was justified. We stand with you on that.”
“But, this is our city — our city!” he continued. “Do not let people who are not from this city have you come here and screw up your city! We cannot be fighting. We have to live here. This is our home.”“But, this is our city — our city!” he continued. “Do not let people who are not from this city have you come here and screw up your city! We cannot be fighting. We have to live here. This is our home.”
After delivering his message into an amplified microphone, Chief Monahan took the hands of two protesters, one on either side, and together they each dropped to one knee.After delivering his message into an amplified microphone, Chief Monahan took the hands of two protesters, one on either side, and together they each dropped to one knee.
The driver of an S.U.V. barreled through a line of law enforcement officers at a protest late Monday in Buffalo, injuring two of them in a confrontation that was caught on video, the authorities said.The driver of an S.U.V. barreled through a line of law enforcement officers at a protest late Monday in Buffalo, injuring two of them in a confrontation that was caught on video, the authorities said.
The injured included a Buffalo police officer and a New York State trooper, according to Captain Jeff Rinaldo, a Buffalo Police Department spokesman. Both were in stable condition.The injured included a Buffalo police officer and a New York State trooper, according to Captain Jeff Rinaldo, a Buffalo Police Department spokesman. Both were in stable condition.
The driver and the passengers in the S.U.V. were taken into custody, the Erie County executive, Mark Poloncarz, wrote on Twitter.The driver and the passengers in the S.U.V. were taken into custody, the Erie County executive, Mark Poloncarz, wrote on Twitter.
The episode took place around 9:45 p.m., as the officers, wearing riot gear, were responding to protests related to the death of Mr. Floyd, the authorities said. It was not immediately clear whether the people in the S.U.V. were part of the protest.The episode took place around 9:45 p.m., as the officers, wearing riot gear, were responding to protests related to the death of Mr. Floyd, the authorities said. It was not immediately clear whether the people in the S.U.V. were part of the protest.
On Sunday, the driver of a tanker truck sped through a group of protesters on an interstate in Minneapolis. There were no serious injuries and the driver was arrested.On Sunday, the driver of a tanker truck sped through a group of protesters on an interstate in Minneapolis. There were no serious injuries and the driver was arrested.
Among the hundreds of protesters who were arrested over the past four days, only one was highlighted by name by a police union known for its hostility toward Mr. de Blasio.Among the hundreds of protesters who were arrested over the past four days, only one was highlighted by name by a police union known for its hostility toward Mr. de Blasio.
Chiara de Blasio, the mayor’s daughter.Chiara de Blasio, the mayor’s daughter.
The union, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, used Twitter to post a police report documenting the arrest on Saturday night of Ms. de Blasio, 25.The union, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, used Twitter to post a police report documenting the arrest on Saturday night of Ms. de Blasio, 25.
The Police Department does not normally release internal police reports, and Ms. de Blasio’s contained personal details, including her height, weight, address, date of birth and driver’s license information. Twitter removed the post because it violated the platform’s rules, and the union’s account was suspended on Monday.The Police Department does not normally release internal police reports, and Ms. de Blasio’s contained personal details, including her height, weight, address, date of birth and driver’s license information. Twitter removed the post because it violated the platform’s rules, and the union’s account was suspended on Monday.
Edward D. Mullins, the union’s president, said the intent of his post on Twitter was to question the mayor’s strategy toward policing the protests.Edward D. Mullins, the union’s president, said the intent of his post on Twitter was to question the mayor’s strategy toward policing the protests.
“Is that why you’re tying our hands, because your daughter is out there?” Mr. Mullins added. “This needs to be looked at.”“Is that why you’re tying our hands, because your daughter is out there?” Mr. Mullins added. “This needs to be looked at.”
On Monday, Mr. de Blasio on Monday called the disclosure of his daughter’s information “unconscionable.”On Monday, Mr. de Blasio on Monday called the disclosure of his daughter’s information “unconscionable.”
Mr. Mullins said he did not leak the report about Ms. de Blasio, but rather, copied a screenshot of the report from a Twitter post by a Daily Mail reporter that was subsequently deleted.Mr. Mullins said he did not leak the report about Ms. de Blasio, but rather, copied a screenshot of the report from a Twitter post by a Daily Mail reporter that was subsequently deleted.
Mr. de Blasio said he learned of his daughter’s arrest from the media.Mr. de Blasio said he learned of his daughter’s arrest from the media.
A police officer who pointed his gun at protesters should be stripped of his badge and weapon, Mr. de Blasio said on Monday.A police officer who pointed his gun at protesters should be stripped of his badge and weapon, Mr. de Blasio said on Monday.
A 12-second video of the encounter posted on social media shows the officer walking toward a crowd of protesters near the Strand bookstore on Broadway and East 12th Street. The officer pulls his gun from his left hip and points it at protesters gathered in front of the bookstore.A 12-second video of the encounter posted on social media shows the officer walking toward a crowd of protesters near the Strand bookstore on Broadway and East 12th Street. The officer pulls his gun from his left hip and points it at protesters gathered in front of the bookstore.
As the officer walks toward the crowd with his weapon drawn, the protesters scream and scatter.As the officer walks toward the crowd with his weapon drawn, the protesters scream and scatter.
The officer then turns and points the weapon at another group of protesters before a police supervisor approaches him and escorts him away.The officer then turns and points the weapon at another group of protesters before a police supervisor approaches him and escorts him away.
“We have to always know it is not the place for an officer to pull a gun in the middle of a crowd, knowing there are peaceful protesters in that crowd,” the mayor said. “That is unacceptable, that is dangerous.”“We have to always know it is not the place for an officer to pull a gun in the middle of a crowd, knowing there are peaceful protesters in that crowd,” the mayor said. “That is unacceptable, that is dangerous.”
The mayor described the scene as “chaotic,” but he also noted that the supervisor appeared to intervene.The mayor described the scene as “chaotic,” but he also noted that the supervisor appeared to intervene.
“That officer should have his gun and badge taken away today,” Mr. de Blasio said. “There will be an investigation immediately to determine the larger consequence.”“That officer should have his gun and badge taken away today,” Mr. de Blasio said. “There will be an investigation immediately to determine the larger consequence.”
Letitia James, the attorney general, requested on Twitter that the video be sent to her, an indication that she planned to investigate the matter.Letitia James, the attorney general, requested on Twitter that the video be sent to her, an indication that she planned to investigate the matter.
An official at the Brooklyn district attorney’s office said on Monday that prosecutors were investigating potential incidents of police brutality that were captured on video in the past few days and circulated widely on the internet.An official at the Brooklyn district attorney’s office said on Monday that prosecutors were investigating potential incidents of police brutality that were captured on video in the past few days and circulated widely on the internet.
While the official declined to say which specific incidents the office was looking into, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing inquires, two in particular have received widespread attention recently: a police S.U.V. that surged into a crowd of protesters on Saturday on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn and an officer who shoved a demonstrator violently near Barclays Center on Friday.While the official declined to say which specific incidents the office was looking into, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing inquires, two in particular have received widespread attention recently: a police S.U.V. that surged into a crowd of protesters on Saturday on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn and an officer who shoved a demonstrator violently near Barclays Center on Friday.
Mr. de Blasio on Monday altered his earlier stance related to an episode in Brooklyn on Saturday in which two police vehicles rammed into a crowd of protesters.Mr. de Blasio on Monday altered his earlier stance related to an episode in Brooklyn on Saturday in which two police vehicles rammed into a crowd of protesters.
In his earlier remarks about the matter, the mayor had implied that the protesters were to blame while calling for an investigation of the episode, which was captured on video.In his earlier remarks about the matter, the mayor had implied that the protesters were to blame while calling for an investigation of the episode, which was captured on video.
At a news conference on Monday, Mr. de Blasio said that there was “no situation where a police vehicle should drive into a crowd of protesters or New Yorkers.”At a news conference on Monday, Mr. de Blasio said that there was “no situation where a police vehicle should drive into a crowd of protesters or New Yorkers.”
“But,” he added, “I also want to emphasize that situation was created by a group of protesters blocking and surrounding a police vehicle, a tactic that we had seen before in the last few days, a tactic that can be very, very dangerous to everyone involved.”“But,” he added, “I also want to emphasize that situation was created by a group of protesters blocking and surrounding a police vehicle, a tactic that we had seen before in the last few days, a tactic that can be very, very dangerous to everyone involved.”
The comment drew widespread rebuke from elected officials and some of the mayor’s closest former aides and advisers.The comment drew widespread rebuke from elected officials and some of the mayor’s closest former aides and advisers.
Journalists covering protests in cities across the country have reported being assaulted, injured or harassed by police officers.Journalists covering protests in cities across the country have reported being assaulted, injured or harassed by police officers.
On Monday a spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney’s office said it was investigating an episode involving a Wall Street Journal reporter who said on Twitter that he had been assaulted by members of the Police Department.On Monday a spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney’s office said it was investigating an episode involving a Wall Street Journal reporter who said on Twitter that he had been assaulted by members of the Police Department.
“Our office has prosecuted dozens of uniformed officers for official misconduct and violence since 2010, and this longstanding tradition of independence and accountability will continue in the days and weeks ahead,” Cyrus R. Vance Jr., the Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement on Monday.“Our office has prosecuted dozens of uniformed officers for official misconduct and violence since 2010, and this longstanding tradition of independence and accountability will continue in the days and weeks ahead,” Cyrus R. Vance Jr., the Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement on Monday.
“We are actively monitoring social media and other sources to identify investigative leads into claims of excessive force and we strongly encourage New Yorkers to share them with us.”“We are actively monitoring social media and other sources to identify investigative leads into claims of excessive force and we strongly encourage New Yorkers to share them with us.”
The reporter, Tyler Blint-Welsh, who is black, said on social media that he was covering protests in Lower Manhattan and had his Police Department-issued press badge displayed and his hands up when officers assaulted him on Broadway near East 9th Street.The reporter, Tyler Blint-Welsh, who is black, said on social media that he was covering protests in Lower Manhattan and had his Police Department-issued press badge displayed and his hands up when officers assaulted him on Broadway near East 9th Street.
“Lost my glasses and my ankle is in searing pain after the NYPD hit me in the face multiple times with riot shields and pushed me to the ground,” Mr. Blint-Welsh wrote on Twitter in a post that was shared more than 24,000 times.“Lost my glasses and my ankle is in searing pain after the NYPD hit me in the face multiple times with riot shields and pushed me to the ground,” Mr. Blint-Welsh wrote on Twitter in a post that was shared more than 24,000 times.
“I was backing away as request, with my hands up,” he added. “My NYPD-issued press badge was clearly visible. I’m just sitting here crying. This sucks.”“I was backing away as request, with my hands up,” he added. “My NYPD-issued press badge was clearly visible. I’m just sitting here crying. This sucks.”
In a statement, the Police Department said it was “aware of the complaints made by Mr. Blint-Welsh,” and that it was conducting an internal review.In a statement, the Police Department said it was “aware of the complaints made by Mr. Blint-Welsh,” and that it was conducting an internal review.
Matt Murray, The Journal’s editor in chief, said in a memo to staff members on Monday that the newspaper’s leaders were infuriated about what had happened to Mr. Blint-Welsh and that they were taking the appropriate steps with the authorities.Matt Murray, The Journal’s editor in chief, said in a memo to staff members on Monday that the newspaper’s leaders were infuriated about what had happened to Mr. Blint-Welsh and that they were taking the appropriate steps with the authorities.
“The incident, sadly, is the latest of many across the country in recent days in which we have seen journalists injured, and in some cases targeted, and a reminder of the dangers we face covering the story,” Mr. Murray wrote.“The incident, sadly, is the latest of many across the country in recent days in which we have seen journalists injured, and in some cases targeted, and a reminder of the dangers we face covering the story,” Mr. Murray wrote.
On Monday, Mr. Blint-Welsh wrote on Twitter that he was home safe, icing his ankle and trying to decompress.On Monday, Mr. Blint-Welsh wrote on Twitter that he was home safe, icing his ankle and trying to decompress.
Both the mayor and the governor voiced strong concerns Monday that the demonstrations could set off a second wave of coronavirus infections.Both the mayor and the governor voiced strong concerns Monday that the demonstrations could set off a second wave of coronavirus infections.
“You turn on the TV, and you see mass gatherings that could potentially be infecting hundreds and hundreds of people after everything we have done,” Mr. Cuomo said.“You turn on the TV, and you see mass gatherings that could potentially be infecting hundreds and hundreds of people after everything we have done,” Mr. Cuomo said.
He noted that the state had just reached a major milestone in fighting the virus: Less than 1,000 people tested positive on Sunday, the first day with such a low number since March 16. The daily death toll was 54, down from an April peak of nearly 800.He noted that the state had just reached a major milestone in fighting the virus: Less than 1,000 people tested positive on Sunday, the first day with such a low number since March 16. The daily death toll was 54, down from an April peak of nearly 800.
“How many super-spreaders were in that crowd?” Mr. Cuomo asked, referring to the protests. “How many young people went home and kissed their mother hello, or shook hands with their father, or hugged their father or their grandfather or their grandmother or their brother or their sister, and spread a virus?”“How many super-spreaders were in that crowd?” Mr. Cuomo asked, referring to the protests. “How many young people went home and kissed their mother hello, or shook hands with their father, or hugged their father or their grandfather or their grandmother or their brother or their sister, and spread a virus?”
The convergence of the pandemic and the national demonstrations over police brutality has forced many political leaders to try to strike a balance between expressing support for the right to protest and safeguarding public health.The convergence of the pandemic and the national demonstrations over police brutality has forced many political leaders to try to strike a balance between expressing support for the right to protest and safeguarding public health.
“If you say ‘Don’t come out because of the pandemic,’” Mr. de Blasio said, “we don’t want people to hear about this as, ‘We are not hearing your concerns, or your concerns are not valid, or we don’t have to change things.’”“If you say ‘Don’t come out because of the pandemic,’” Mr. de Blasio said, “we don’t want people to hear about this as, ‘We are not hearing your concerns, or your concerns are not valid, or we don’t have to change things.’”
Still, he added, “for those who have made their presence felt, made their voices heard, the safest thing from this point is to stay home.”Still, he added, “for those who have made their presence felt, made their voices heard, the safest thing from this point is to stay home.”
Public health officials urged anyone who does protest to wear face coverings, use hand sanitizer and maintain social distance. The leader of New York City’s contact-tracing effort said that everyone who attended a protest should get tested for the virus.Public health officials urged anyone who does protest to wear face coverings, use hand sanitizer and maintain social distance. The leader of New York City’s contact-tracing effort said that everyone who attended a protest should get tested for the virus.
“Protest — just be smart about it,” Mr. Cuomo said. “With this virus, you can do many things now as long as you’re smart about it.”“Protest — just be smart about it,” Mr. Cuomo said. “With this virus, you can do many things now as long as you’re smart about it.”
Some infectious disease experts were reassured that the protests were outdoors. The open- air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission, they said. In addition, many demonstrators wore masks and appeared to be avoiding clustering too closely in some places.Some infectious disease experts were reassured that the protests were outdoors. The open- air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission, they said. In addition, many demonstrators wore masks and appeared to be avoiding clustering too closely in some places.
Hundreds of protesters gathered on Monday for a vigil at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, the scene of antipolice rioting in 1969 that is widely regarded as a major turning point in the modern gay rights movement.Hundreds of protesters gathered on Monday for a vigil at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, the scene of antipolice rioting in 1969 that is widely regarded as a major turning point in the modern gay rights movement.
The event, which was organized to honor the memory of Black and Hispanic victims of police brutality, came on the first day of L.G.B.T.Q. Pride month, which would normally be commemorated with parades and other events.The event, which was organized to honor the memory of Black and Hispanic victims of police brutality, came on the first day of L.G.B.T.Q. Pride month, which would normally be commemorated with parades and other events.
“We stand here today on hallowed ground,” Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat and New York’s only openly gay state senator, said at the vigil. “Our N.Y.P.D. works for us, should protect us and should protect protesters.”“We stand here today on hallowed ground,” Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat and New York’s only openly gay state senator, said at the vigil. “Our N.Y.P.D. works for us, should protect us and should protect protesters.”
As helicopters monitoring protests across the city flew overhead, those gathered at the Stonewall Inn read the names of police brutality victims. “Say their names!” the crowd chanted after each one was read.As helicopters monitoring protests across the city flew overhead, those gathered at the Stonewall Inn read the names of police brutality victims. “Say their names!” the crowd chanted after each one was read.
Reporting was contributed by Anne Barnard, Emily Jo Corona, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Alan Feuer, Michael Gold, Emma Goldberg, Melissa Guerrero, Corey Kilgannon, Colin Moynihan, Nicole Hong, Jeffery C. Mays, Andy Newman, Derek M. Norman, Azi Paybarah, Jan Ransom, Dana Rubinstein, Nate Schweber, Matthew Sedacca, Ashley Southall, Liam Stack, Matt Stevens, Nikita Stewart, Alex Traub, Neil Vigdor, Ali Watkins and Michael Wilson.Reporting was contributed by Anne Barnard, Emily Jo Corona, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Alan Feuer, Michael Gold, Emma Goldberg, Melissa Guerrero, Corey Kilgannon, Colin Moynihan, Nicole Hong, Jeffery C. Mays, Andy Newman, Derek M. Norman, Azi Paybarah, Jan Ransom, Dana Rubinstein, Nate Schweber, Matthew Sedacca, Ashley Southall, Liam Stack, Matt Stevens, Nikita Stewart, Alex Traub, Neil Vigdor, Ali Watkins and Michael Wilson.