New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is under fire from the NYPD sergeants union after flying off to Hamburg after a police officer was shot back home. De Blasio headed out to join G-20 protesters and Hamburg police to express his disagreement with the views of U.S. President Donald Trump. De Blasio was joined by son Dante, who was already in Germany on an internship.
The mayor was immediately criticized back home. According to the New York Daily News, police representatives feel he isn’t doing enough to show his concern for officer Miosotis Familia, the New York police officer and mother of three. The union criticized him for an overall lack of concern for the lives of police, citing six incidents of police deaths since he took over from Michael Bloomberg.
Hundreds Attend Vigil For Slain Officer Miosotis Family while Bill de Blasio supports #Antifa lawlessness #Hamburg pic.twitter.com/An3OyLVmGr
— Kevin W. (@kwilli1046) July 9, 2017
The comments were made by Sergeants Benevolent Association head Ed Mullins, as he sat for an interview on radio station AM 970. “We’re not seeing any kind of leadership that comes out and explains … that the police are not your enemy,” said Mullins.
De Blasio left for Hamburg the day after Familia was shot, announcing the sudden trip at a brief press conference. Mullins expressed disappointment in the decision with The Washington Post. “You’ve chosen to leave while the city is mourning. I just don’t understand what he’s thinking.”
Officer Familia was shot while sitting in a police van. Thirty-four-year-old Alexander Bonds aimed his gun at Familia as she filled out paperwork. He was later shot and killed by police officers responding at the scene.
NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia’s funeral to be held at World Changers Church https://t.co/utxsz8OzRo pic.twitter.com/3HF87G7nVt
— NYC Informer (@newyorkcityinfo) July 9, 2017
Mullin further told The Washington Post his point of view that the mayor is neglecting city matters to meddle in affairs outside of his concern. “It’s not because he’s playing an intricate role in solving world politics and world peace and all these issues. As mayor of New York, you really have no role in global politics,” Mullins said. “Where you do have a role is in the city of New York, and in the city of New York right now, a police officer is assassinated.”
The G-20 talks bring together presidents, prime ministers, and world leaders of the nations with the top financial influence in the world. The meeting is important in bringing countries together to discuss and seek solutions on issues of global concern. This year German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosted the meetings in Hamburg.
Mayor de Blasio will return on Sunday evening. A vigil for Familia was held Saturday evening outside the precinct where she worked. A wake and funeral are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
