Former NYPD Chief of Department Louis Anemone has publicly criticized New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, stating that the mayor does not support the police and that this lack of support endangers officers. Anemone’s comments came in response to viral videos showing police officers being doused with water.
Anemone, a 35-year veteran of the NYPD, made his remarks on “Fox & Friends,” asserting that such incidents would not have occurred under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who he believes had a better understanding of the city’s needs. He directly blamed de Blasio for the water-dousing incidents, arguing that as the chief executive of New York City, de Blasio has failed to provide leadership in public security and support for the police department.
“He does not have their back. I firmly believe firmly that he does not have their back,” Anemone stated emphatically. President Trump has also criticized de Blasio, calling his handling of the situation “horrible.”
We love our Law Enforcement Officers all around this great Country. What took place in NYC with water being tossed on NYPD officers was a total disgrace. It is time for @NYCMayor @BilldeBlasio to STAND UP for those who protect our lives and serve us all so well…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2019
Since the incidents, the NYPD has arrested four people in connection with the water-dousing incidents and continues to search for additional suspects. Anemone emphasized the oath taken by NYPD officers, Fidelis Ad Mortem, meaning “Faithful til’ death,” and argued that officers must make tough decisions, regardless of potential political or public backlash.
Anemone criticized the officers’ response to the water-throwing, suggesting they should have made arrests instead of walking away. He deemed it “absolutely criminal” if academy training discourages officers from responding to such situations. He reiterated his view that the situation is “disgraceful.”
The New York Post highlighted Anemone’s broader concerns about the political climate in New York City:
Let me explain — I am angry as hell at the “woke,” “progressive,” political establishment of New York City, who are a disgrace to the city of New York. They collectively have created a situation that can only get worse for the rule of law in New York. They have replaced common sense, impartiality and honesty in the pursuit of happiness in the city with crazy theories about our subconscious prejudices and minority privilege. The educational and criminal justice systems in this city are under attack by these “progressives,” with not a care for the consequences of these deranged theories.
Anemone further criticized de Blasio for having “the talk” with his son about avoiding confrontations with police, suggesting the mayor should instead educate his supporters about respecting law enforcement. He called for consequences for anti-social and criminal behavior and lamented the inaction of the officers during the water-dousing incidents, stating that they “turned their backs on a threat.”
Anemone’s remarks raise questions about de Blasio’s leadership and the challenges faced by the NYPD in the current political environment. Whether de Blasio will heed Anemone’s criticism remains to be seen.
Police leaders must support their officers.