Governor Andrew Cuomo takes off his mask. The | (AP Photo / Mark Lennihan)
ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo says he and President Donald Trump have agreed that federal measures will not be taken yet to address rising crime rates in New York City, and none will be attempted before another conversation between the two Queens natives.
During a call to reporters on Wednesday, Cuomo said he spoke to Trump on Tuesday after the president threatened to send federal agents to the city. Cuomo said he told Trump that the state could handle a public safety emergency for New York City if necessary, but the situation still doesn’t warrant that statement.
Ad
Context: Shootings in New York City have increased for three straight weekends, even as Mayor Bill de Blasio and police officers have attempted programs to curb the violence. On Friday, de Blasio and the police department launched a new program against gun violence. Still, between Friday and Sunday, the city had 22 shooting incidents with 24 victims, according to New York Police figures. That compares with five incidents and five victims during the same period last year.
Whats Next: Cuomo said he shares Trump’s concern when it comes to crime, graffiti, and ongoing riots after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. But he said he and his office are working with city officials and take it “day by day.” Only if city and state resources fail would federal assistance be necessary, he said. And if Trump’s thoughts changed, Cuomo said the president agreed to speak to him first. “It was a good conversation. I feel comfortable with where we left off.”
