Mayor Eric Adams delivered a resounding address on Wednesday morning, decrying the infiltration of professional agitators into protests at Columbia University and CUNY, and emphasizing the symbolic importance of reinstating the American flag. Here are key excerpts from his impassioned remarks:
As protests began to unfold across the city, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. It reminded me of the early days of the Black Lives Matter marches when it became evident that some had arrived with the intention to disrupt our city. And while some may argue that the majority were students, it only takes a minority to sway and manipulate an entire operation. That's the crux of the matter. So, if you want to quibble over semantics, be my guest. I, however, will stand with the New York City Police, steadfast in their duty to safeguard our city against the global trend of unrest.
There's a concerted effort to radicalize our youth, and I refuse to sit idly by until it's too late to act. This isn't just a local issue; it's a worldwide phenomenon where professionals adept at radicalization prey upon our children. As mayor, I won't tolerate it.
These external actors have a track record of exacerbating tensions and sowing chaos. Their goal isn't peaceful protest; it's pandemonium. If you witnessed the scenes at City College with bottles and debris hurled at police officers, you witnessed a remarkable display of restraint from our law enforcement. We won't stand for our city being manipulated by those seeking to sow discord. We're proud to have swiftly removed them from the campus.
While some involved in the break-ins were indeed students, they were led by individuals unaffiliated with the university. The NYPD's intervention was necessary to reclaim Hamilton Hall and dismantle the encampments. From the outset, we've championed the right to protest and the sanctity of free speech. However, our foremost concern has been those who exploit peaceful demonstrations for their own ends—chaos.
Mayor Adams' unwavering stance underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of peaceful protests while safeguarding against the manipulation of external forces bent on inciting disorder.
Amidst the recent tumultuous events, Mayor Adams delivered a poignant message, denouncing the transformation of lawful protest into violent chaos and reaffirming the city's stance against hatred in all its forms. Here are the key highlights from his address:
Peaceful protest should never devolve into the barricading of buildings or the destruction of property. Such acts serve no purpose and only breed further discord. We must ensure that the right to protest is exercised within the bounds of lawfulness.
The recent wave of protests underscores the imperative of combating hate in all its manifestations. Whether it's antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Sikhism, or discrimination against the AAPI community, our city's stance remains unequivocal: There is no place for hate within our borders.
While we navigate these challenges, it's crucial to recognize that this is not a time for celebration. We should never have reached this point where our children's safety is compromised. We must staunchly resist any attempts to radicalize our youth, a trend that is unfortunately prevalent not just in our city but globally.
During a poignant moment, Mayor Adams emphasized the significance of the American flag, symbolizing the sacrifices made by those who defend our nation. He condemned the act of replacing it with the flag of another country, asserting that such actions are unacceptable. As the American flag was hoisted once more, Mayor Adams expressed gratitude to the NYPD for their swift action, reaffirming that the city will not yield its way of life to any adversary.
Mayor Adams' unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, combating hatred, and preserving the sanctity of American symbols resonates deeply in these challenging times, reaffirming the city's resilience in the face of adversity.
Amidst the recent tumultuous events, Mayor Adams delivered a poignant message, denouncing the transformation of lawful protest into violent chaos and reaffirming the city's stance against hatred in all its forms. Here are the key highlights from his address:
Peaceful protest should never devolve into the barricading of buildings or the destruction of property. Such acts serve no purpose and only breed further discord. We must ensure that the right to protest is exercised within the bounds of lawfulness.
The recent wave of protests underscores the imperative of combating hate in all its manifestations. Whether it's antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Sikhism, or discrimination against the AAPI community, our city's stance remains unequivocal: There is no place for hate within our borders.
While we navigate these challenges, it's crucial to recognize that this is not a time for celebration. We should never have reached this point where our children's safety is compromised. We must staunchly resist any attempts to radicalize our youth, a trend that is unfortunately prevalent not just in our city but globally.
During a poignant moment, Mayor Adams emphasized the significance of the American flag, symbolizing the sacrifices made by those who defend our nation. He condemned the act of replacing it with the flag of another country, asserting that such actions are unacceptable. As the American flag was hoisted once more, Mayor Adams expressed gratitude to the NYPD for their swift action, reaffirming that the city will not yield its way of life to any adversary.
Mayor Adams' unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, combating hatred, and preserving the sanctity of American symbols resonates deeply in these challenging times, reaffirming the city's resilience in the face of adversity.
