Gun violence has been on the agenda at the meeting in Brooklyn between Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democratic mayoral candidate Eric Adams.
Cuomo noted that New York’s recovery goes hand in hand with the perception of safety on its streets.
Therefore, he offered his support and willingness to work together with a potential municipal government led by Eric Adams.
“There are more people dying from gun violence than from COVID,” Cuomo said.
77% of the victims of gun violence are African American and Latino, Cuomo added.
The Democratic candidate indicated, for his part, that his past as a police officer gives him the necessary experience to face this problem.
“No one is going to go back to our multi-billion dollar tourism industry if three-year-olds are shot in Times Square,” Adams said.
In the same way, he invoked that the duo with Governor Cuomo revive what he called “a true” progressive administration for the city.
“I have made it clear over and over again that I am the original progressive voice of this city,” Adams said. “And being progressive is not what you tweet, but what you do to help people on the street.”
The meeting between Adams and the governor comes two days after the candidate’s meeting with President Biden at the White House to discuss gun violence.
Cuomo said they will also target hot spots where gun violence is particularly high and will work with community groups, with the help of state resources to offer support.
The two political leaders said their approach to gun violence will aim to help with issues like mental health and support for young New Yorkers.
Cuomo said the answer is not to abolish the police, but to build trust.
“We have to reform and repair the relationship of the police with the community,” he said.
Cuomo praised Adams, saying he had “confidence and courage.”
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