Assemblyman Michael Blake Responds to Trump's Long Island Speech

Bronx, NY - On Friday, in response to President Trump's speech on Long Island endorsing police brutality, New York State Assembly Member Michael Blake released the following statement:

"Today, in the latest sign of absolute disrespect and disregard for civility and humanity, President Trump endorsed police brutality, saying "please don't be too nice" when putting an arrested individual into a vehicle.

Let me be abundantly clear. I have absolute respect for the men and women who serve in law enforcement to provide safety and unity to our communities. Officers are often running into danger, and it's not to be taken lightly.

However, as a victim of police brutality myself, I know firsthand feeling defenseless, nervous, and being at a loss during those fleeting moments.  It is reprehensible that the President supports such behavior, yet again using divisive rhetoric such as "thugs" and "aliens" to describe human beings, and equally disgusting that officers on site applauded, laughed and cheered his comments. There is nothing funny or acceptable about not treating your fellow human being with decency and respect and following the rule of law, whether you were a uniform or a hoodie.  Brutality in any form is unacceptable, as is the divisive rhetoric and equally divisive actions from the President.

Moreover, many individuals who are victims of gang crimes, as the President was apparently intending to discuss at his event, do not seek out law enforcement for justice out of fear of possibly being detained or deported due to a discriminatory GOP agenda perpetuated by the Trump-Pence administration and congressional leadership that supports propaganda over people.

Rather than focus on his language alone, we will continue to seek ways to unite our community with law enforcement, such as next Tuesday's National Night Out events, and demonstrate that our vision is focused on providing #ABetterDeal for Americans with improved community and police relations that continue #BuildingABetterBronx." 

Source: The Office of Assemblyman Michael Blake, A.D. 79