De Blasio Stresses Officer Safety, Blasts Anti-Police Protesters

After being the target of weeks of fiery rhetoric from the police officers union, Mayor de Blasio said he was not surprised by reports of dissent among members of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. But he said he thought a  “consensus” was emerging on how to make the city safe for all New Yorkers.

The Daily News reported Tuesday that a scuffle broke out at a rancorous meeting of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association when some members urged their president, Pat Lynch, to drop his demands for an apology from the mayor and focus instead on getting them better equipment, such as new vests and patrol cars.

De Blasio said it's a given that a union with thousands of members would have a diversity of opinion.

“I think where there is an emerging consensus is that we have to focus on officer safety as part of the package of reforms that we’re making in this city to make everyone safer,” said de Blasio.

Then, the mayor made an unlikely pivot, shifting to explain to police officers where he stands on anti-police protesters, who are expected to hit the streets again on Thursday.

“There is a small group that has consistently used absolutely unacceptable, reprehensible language towards officers,” said de Blasio. He added, “you may have a constitutional right to do it. But they should stop doing it.”

One of the groups, called the People’s Power Assemblies, had a photo on their Facebook page banner that read “Stop Killer Cops.” Other groups expected to participate are offshoots from Occupy Wall Street. 

While the mayor said the vast majority of protesters have been peaceful, he warned that anyone who knows of people with plans to harm officers should tell authorities immediately.

Pressed again by reporters over whether he would apologize to police for statements in recent weeks, the mayor steadfastly declined.

“Things that I have said that I believe are what I believe, and you can’t apologize for your fundamental beliefs.”