Chirlane McCray, the wife of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, advised citizens to “physically intervene” if they witness a violent crime. The advice comes nine months after she convinced de Blasio to cut $1 billion from NYPD funding, causing a surge in violent crime.
“As attacks on Asian American communities continue, we’re asking New Yorkers to show up for their neighbors and intervene when witnessing hateful violence or harassment. I know that can be frightening when you aren’t sure what to do or say, but you can learn,” New York City’s First Lady wrote on Twitter on March 6th. “Fear is a normal feeling when stepping into a confrontation, but being prepared can help.”
As attacks on Asian American communities continue, we’re asking New Yorkers to show up for their neighbors and intervene when witnessing hateful violence or harassment. I know that can be frightening when you aren’t sure what to do or say, but you can learn.
— Chirlane McCray (@NYCFirstLady109) March 6, 2021
She wrote that citizens should “Respond directly to the aggressor or physically intervene and only after assessing the situation. Be confident, assertive, calm. This is risky, but sometimes all we can do is speak up.”
She added, “This is risky, but sometimes all we can do is speak up. If the harasser responds, try your best to focus on assisting the person targeted.”
Last year violent crime rates rose dramatically after the NYPD were defunded. The number of shootings soared 97% from 777 in 2019 to 1,531 in 2020 and murders rose by 44% from 319 to 462, according to the NYPD.
