ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he and President Donald Trump have agreed that no federal action will be taken to address rising crime rates in New York City yet, and none will be attempted prior to another conversation between the two Queens natives.
Cuomo during a call with reporters Wednesday said he talked with Trump Tuesday after the president threatened to send federal agents to the city.
Cuomo said he told Trump the state could handle a public safety emergency for New York City if necessary, but the situation did not yet warrant that declaration.Context: Shootings in New York City have risen for three weekends in a row, even as Mayor Bill de Blasio and police officials have attempted programs to curb the violence. On Friday, de Blasio and the police department rolled out a new anti-gun violence program. Still, between Friday and Sunday, the city had 22 shooting incidents with 24 victims, according to NYPD numbers. That’s compared with five incidents and five victims during the same period a year earlier.
What’s next: Cuomo said he shares Trump’s concern when it comes to crime, graffiti and continued unrest following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. But he said he and his office are working with city officials and taking 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 talk with him first. "It was a good conversation. I'm comfortable with where we left it."