Governor Cuomo Announces Attorney General James Will Review All Actions and Procedures Used During Last Night's Protests in New York City

Public Report Will Be Issued Within 30 Days

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced Attorney General Letitia James will review all actions and procedures used during last night's protests in New York City and Brooklyn in response to the death of George Floyd and issue a public report within 30 days. The Attorney General's independent review should include a review of both police procedures and crowd actions during the protests.

"We have an injustice in the criminal justice system that is abhorrent. George Floyd's death was not just about George Floyd. These are not individual incidents — and you are blind or in denial if you are still treating each one like a unique situation," Governor Cuomo said. "This nation's history of discrimination and racism dates back hundreds of years and it is what is behind this anger and frustration, but violence cannot be the answer because it obscures the righteousness of the message and the mission. Last night we saw disturbing violent clashes amidst protests right here in New York City, and I'm asking Attorney General James to review the actions and the procedures that were used last night because the public deserves answers and they deserve accountability."

New York State Attorney General Letitia James said, "Peaceful protest is a basic civil right. That right should be protected and guarded. We take the designation to investigate last night's actions very seriously. We will act independently to seek answers, ensure that the truth is laid bare, and that there is accountability for any wrongdoing. We will be transparent in our findings as we seek accountability for those who did wrong. We are asking anyone with information about last night, including visual evidence, to please share it with our office so we can take it into account as we proceed with this investigation. Please email Complaints@ag.ny.gov."