Today’s military strikes on Iran — carried out by the United States and Israel — mark a catastrophic escalation in an illegal war of aggression. Bombing cities. Killing civilians. Opening a new theater of war. Americans do not want this. They do not want another war in pursuit of regime change. They want relief from the affordability crisis. They want peace.
I am focused on making sure that every New Yorker is safe. I have been in contact with our Police Commissioner and emergency management officials. We are taking proactive steps, including increasing coordination across agencies and enhancing patrols of sensitive locations out of an abundance of caution.
Additionally, I want to speak directly to Iranian New Yorkers: you are part of the fabric of this city — you are our neighbors, small business owners, students, artists, workers, and community leaders. You will be safe here.
I am outraged by the despicable, cowardly attacks against Muslim New Yorkers in Bay Ridge last week—one of which was on a 12-year-old girl. This violence is unacceptable, and we know that all too often visibly Muslim, hijab-wearing women and girls bear the brunt of it.
Muslim New Yorkers deserve to live with safety and dignity, and to be able to walk our streets free from harassment, threats, or harm. Islamophobia has no place in our city, and violence or intimidation against Muslim New Yorkers is unacceptable.