Cuomo Rips de Blasio and NYPD Handling of NYC Amid George Floyd Protests

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.