Staff Reports
On Twitter, Mayor Eric Adams (D) of New York City criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R) trip to Staten Island to showcase his state’s progress in combating crime and retaining law enforcement personnel. Adams emphasized that New York City is a welcoming place that does not discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, exploit asylum seekers, or restrict women’s access to healthcare.
Welcome to NYC, @GovRonDeSantis, a place where we don’t ban books, discriminate against our LGBTQ+ neighbors, use asylum seekers as props, or let the government stand between a woman and health care.
We’re happy to teach you something about values while you’re here. https://t.co/o2CgOt1SES
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) February 20, 2023
DeSantis replied on Twitter by highlighting Florida’s record of being a leader in safeguarding law enforcement officers and having a crime rate that is at its lowest point in 50 years. Meanwhile, he noted that New York City experienced a 23% rise in major crimes in 2022. He ended his tweet by stating that politicians who oppose law enforcement should not give in to the demands of the “woke” movement.
I visited Staten Island to talk about how law & order has been central to FL's success.
FL leads the nation in protecting LEOs & our crime rate is at a 50-year low, while NYC saw a 23% surge in major crime in 2022.
Anti-police politicians should stop catering to the woke mob. pic.twitter.com/FpFDy0V4DZ
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) February 20, 2023
Our politicos are upset that @RonDeSantisFL is coming to Illinois today in attempt to lure police officers to relocate to Florida. Why aren’t they upset with the environment THEY CREATED that is hostile to law enforcement, ignores thousands of victims, and protects criminality?
— Ald. Raymond Lopez (@RLopez15thWard) February 20, 2023
DeSantis has scheduled visits to Chicago and Philadelphia, two cities in the United States that have experienced a surge in crime. However, the idea of DeSantis’ visit has not been well-received by the cities’ politicians, with the exception of Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez (D). In a tweet, Lopez suggested that politicians should take responsibility for the crime-prone environments they have created rather than attacking DeSantis.
DeSantis has shown his backing for law enforcement officers in Florida by advocating for legislation that incentivizes Floridians to pursue careers in law enforcement, and also by attracting top-notch law enforcement officers from other states who may have experienced mistreatment in their previous posts. DeSantis has gone beyond words and provided financial support by offering $1,000 scholarships, $5,000 bonuses, and $25,000 adoption incentives.
The visit from DeSantis to New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia has sparked a debate about the importance of law enforcement and the role of politicians in creating pro-crime environments. While many politicians have expressed their disagreement with DeSantis’ visit, it is clear that he is determined to promote the success of Florida’s law enforcement officers and encourage other states to follow suit.
The preceding article is a summary of an article that originally appeared on Townhall
