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Speaker condemns ISIS-influenced attack near Gracie Mansion, pushes anti-Semitism package and NYPD transparency
Summary
After an attempted ISIS-influenced act of terrorism outside Gracie Mansion, the speaker thanked NYPD officers, said two suspects were charged, and outlined a five-point anti-Semitism package that includes protections for houses of worship and requirements that NYPD perimeter plans be publicly released.
The presiding officer told the chamber that an ISIS-influenced act of terrorism took place outside Gracie Mansion during a protest in her district over the weekend and that two alleged suspects were charged the previous day.
"This could have easily become a lethal situation. I'm so relieved that no one from the public or from the surrounding area was injured and that the mayor and his family are safe," the speaker said, praising the "swift and heroic response" of NYPD officers and specifically naming Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navara.
In response to questions from reporters about whether city officials and the mayor had adequately condemned the act, the speaker reiterated that identifying the incident as "ISIS-influenced terrorism" is important for accuracy. She also said the council is pursuing a five-point plan to address anti-Semitism, including a bill to protect entrances and exits of houses of worship and other measures the speaker described as applying broadly to all houses of worship.
On the issue of protest management, the speaker said the proposed bills would require the NYPD to prepare perimeter plans and publicly release them to increase transparency around protest buffer zones and to ensure that the measures do not "impinge upon the First Amendment right to peacefully protest." The speaker said the council will review NYPD headcount and resources for counterterrorism work in the budget process.
No formal law or ordinance was enacted during the session; the remarks were presented as part of a broader policy package and forthcoming legislation.
