Andrew Yang Doubles Down on Remarks About Mentally Ill After Backlash

New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang (D) is doubling down on his remarks regarding getting mentally ill people off of the streets of New York City.

On John Catsimatidis’s radio show Monday, the host said there are too many people living on the streets rather than in hospitals. He also suggested that the situation in New York City was better when Rudy Giuliani was the mayor, according to The New York Times.

“One-hundred percent,” Yang replied, adding, “We need to get them the care that they need, but that will also supercharge our economic recovery because we all see these mentally ill people on our streets and subways, and you know who else sees them? Tourists. And then they don’t come back, and they tell their friends, ‘Don’t go to New York City.’”

Yang, a former presidential candidate, continued, “We’re never going to get our jobs back and our economy back if we don’t get the mentally ill people who are on our streets in a better environment.”

Later Monday while at an event with fellow candidate Kathryn Garcia, Yang stood by his remarks to Catsimatidis, according to the Times.

“We all know that public safety is top of mind for New Yorkers,” Yang said. “There will not be an economic recovery until people feel safe walking our streets and walking our subways.”

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During the final mayoral debate, Yang said, “Mentally ill homeless men are changing the character of our neighborhoods. … We need to get them off of our streets and subways and into a better environment.”

He also said, “Yes, mentally ill people have rights. But you know who else have rights? We do! The people and families of the city. We have the right to walk the street and not fear for our safety.”