Cuomo declares a state of emergency in New York due to spike in violence

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency on July 6 due to spike in gun crime... He also announced a seven-step plan to tackle the region's crime wave at a cost of $ 138 million. New York Post.

“Firearms violence and crime should be a top priority for every mayor in this state because every city has been affected by them. It's a matter of saving lives - and the future of New York depends on it, ”Cuomo said.

The Governor stressed that "people will not return to New York City, they will not return to any city until they are confident in their safety."

Cuomo did not mention hiring additional police officers, from which, despite the allocated funding refused the mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio... At the same time, the governor said that he wants to "restore good relations between the police and the population."

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In a speech that at times sounded like a campaign, the Democrat, now in his third term, presented a seven-point plan that includes addressing gun violence as a "public health concern" and using "data and science" to focus attention. to combat shooting in the most unsafe areas.

Cuomo also said he will ensure “positive engagement with at-risk youth,” including through the creation of summer jobs and funding for arts and other social programs.

“We also want to form a Firearms Violence Prevention Council that will turn your ideas into the strategies and laws that are needed to change the situation,” he said.

The announcement of a new state of emergency, giving the governor additional powers, was made just two weeks after the end of the previous emergency regime - due to the coronavirus, it lasted 16 months.

State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, a Lockport Republican, criticized Cuomo for "declaring another state of emergency" just "days after relinquishing his emergency powers."

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In de Blasio's office, Cuomo's initiative was coldly received, noting that he was a little late and even contributed to the spread of violence.

A spokesman for the Mayor of New York sarcastically called Cuomo's plan "encouraging as it echoes what is outlined in NYC's Safe Summer program, a comprehensive plan to combat gun violence in New York City."

“Unfortunately, the governor did not mention the state bills that support the release of detainees without bail, who then disproportionately participate in the shooting in New York,” added Mayor's spokesman Bill Neidhardt.