Velázquez On George Floyd’s Murder
Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, Queens) spoke to the arrest that ended in George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
“Tragically, three simple words – ‘I can’t breathe’ – have become a powerful symbol of how structural racism in America quite literally kills people. As I have said for some time, COVID-19 has crystalized longstanding inequalities and cruelties in our society. Those of us from New York remember all too painfully Eric Garner’s death, and we still feel his family and community were robbed of justice. Now, in Minneapolis, we’re seeing another African American man killed by police officers. Here at home, we’re seeing video of a white woman in Central Park threatening to call the police on an African American man after he asked her to comply with the rules and leash her dog. We’re watching police violently enforce social distancing requirements in communities of color, while rules go unenforced in more affluent areas.
“I have called for and will keep pushing for a swift and thorough investigation by federal authorities into the police officers in Minnesota. There should be criminal charges and the officers involved should be arrested immediately. I will continue my work in our City to end over-policing and harassment of people of color by law enforcement. These injustices are a stain on our nation’s conscience, and it is incumbent on every single one of us to recognize this reality with clear eyes, while endeavoring to root out prejudice in all its forms.
“It is difficult to be optimistic, right now. Nonetheless, every day I see New Yorkers of different backgrounds lending neighbors, friends and strangers a helping hand as we navigate this historic crisis. For my part, I will do my best to continue fighting injustice, while trying to forge ahead holding love and compassion for others in my heart.”
Adams on On George Floyd’s Murder
Borough President Eric Adams spoke to the event in Minneapolis, and the pain he feels over the death of George Floyd.
“Last night, when I walked from Borough Hall to the heart of the protests in Brooklyn over the murder of George Floyd, I reflected on the pain I felt for him. It is a pain we’ve felt, again and again, over the years, as we’ve watched countless Black people across this country fall victim to police abuse. Abner Louima. Amadou Diallo. Tamir Rice. Philando Castile. Sandra Bland. Freddie Gray. Eric Garner. Breonna Taylor. People whose lives were tragically cut short in the blink of an eye. The images of violence and destruction on our streets last night also brought back searing reminders of the past.
“One was watching my community burn in protest after the assassination of Dr. King. The other was the pain of seeing a police officer walk free after the killing of young Clifford Glover, a 10-year-old boy from South Jamaica, Queens. Even though I was still a young man, both incidents are etched in my memory. They taught me, at a young age, how the powder keg of racial inequity can quickly ignite into violence and disorder.
“The protests that took place last night are yet another manifestation of that raw anger. The open wound of racism cannot be ignored.”
Ortiz on On George Floyd’s Murder
Assistant Assembly Speaker Felix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) spoke to the event in Minneapolis.
“I am pleased to hear that third-degree murder and manslaughter charges have been filed against now-fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd. Police officers are sworn to protect and defend the public. We can never permit outrageous illegal acts by police officers in any situation. Minnesota prosecutors should continue their investigation into additional charges if it is found that other officers were involved in the killing of an innocent man,” said Ortiz.
Gounardes, Abbate Push Death Benefit Law for Frontline Workers
Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Gerritsen Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marine Park) helped sign into law along with Assemblymember Peter Abbate (D-Borough Park, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst) and Governor Cuomo a new measure providing death benefits to the families of frontline workers who lost their lives fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in New York.
“It is fitting that we passed this legislation just after Memorial Day, a day we honor those who have given their lives for their country. Those essential workers we lost to covid-19 gave their lives in a different kind of war – a war against a vicious virus. Their families have suffered a horrific loss and thanks to our actions they will not have to wait in limbo to get the benefits they are owed. I’d like to thank Governor Cuomo for his support on this issue and for moving so swiftly to sign it into law to give relief for the families of these everyday heroes,” said Gounardes.
“While many employers are making arrangements for workers to telecommute rather than risking illness, workers like emergency medical personnel, firefighters, police officers, sanitation workers, transit workers and many others have continued to show up every day. And for their service, many have paid the ultimate price. This legislation ensures that their families are afforded the benefits they deserve for their unimaginable loss,” said Abbate.
The Governor also announced that New York State will open 10 additional testing sites—one for each zip code—in New York City COVID hotspots. Controlling the virus’ spread in the city’s hotspots, which are located in predominately low income and minority communities, is a top priority as it moves toward Phase 1 of reopening on June 8. Six testing sites will be in the Bronx, three will be in Brooklyn and one will be in Queens.
Kavanaugh On Murder of Goerge Floyd
State Senator Brian Kavanagh (D-Northern Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan) commented on the brutal killing of Goerge Floyd this past week, and on how he is pushing legislation to ensure fair and thorough investigations whenever there is a death as a result of interaction with the police or in police custody; to end unnecessary secrecy regarding the outcome of police misconduct and disciplinary processes; and to require all police departments to report demographic and geographic data on their enforcement activities, including low-level offenses.
“The killing of George Floyd in Minnesota and the subsequent unrest in cities across the nation, including here in New York City, illustrate just how painful and deep the wounds are between communities of color and our police departments. As indicated by the breadth of participation in protests in recent days, outrage over horrific incidents like this is not and should not be solely the province of communities of color.
“My deepest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family, to all who are suffering as a result of his loss, and to all who are forced to relive the anguish they experienced in the wake of all too similar tragedies in the past. Let us honor his memory by working to address the inequities in our justice system and to improve the relations between our communities and the police. And let’s do that work in a manner that embodies our aspirations for peace and mutual understanding,” he said.
