Andrew Cuomo blasts 'defund the police' in interview with Stephen A. Smith - despite once calling movement 'legitimate'

In an interview, Andrew Cuomo criticized the defund the police movement, linking it to rising crime rates. Despite his earlier endorsement of police reform and previous executive orders aimed at holding police departments accountable, Cuomo's current stance reflects a significant shift. His campaign spokesperson contended that a previous remark by Cuomo regarding defunding was taken out of context. Cuomo's evolving position highlights the complexities and contentious nature of police funding discussions in the wake of protests for reform.

Cuomo stated, "You cut the police, don’t be surprised when crime goes up. You cut the police, don’t be surprised when people are afraid to go into the subways because of the rate of crime."

Cuomo’s spokesman claims, "He never advocated to defund the police. He talks in questions. He argues both sides of the issue in the Socratic method."

Read at New York Post