Statements From Mayor Bill de Blasio

November 17, 2015

Mayor de Blasio today released a series of statements on Syrian refugees, comments made by Governor Chris Christie and Donald Trump, and Muslim-Americans and Muslims living in New York City.

Statement from Mayor de Blasio on Syrian refugees:

“We should not close our borders to any group of people fleeing the atrocities and horrors of terrorism. To do so is to hand terrorists a victory over our democracy, strengthened over the years by Americans who died or risked their lives for it. We are a strong country. We can protect our country with the appropriate and intensive screening and accept refugees seeking our protection at the same time. New York City is a proud immigrant city, and we will not turn our back on that history or the people being persecuted and fleeing war.”

Statement from Mayor de Blasio on comments made by Governor Chris Christie:

“Because Chris Christie is an elected official, his comment is an embarrassment to this country. If he were in any other profession, it would be dismissed out of hand for the callous, heartless and prejudiced statement that it is.” 

Statement from Mayor de Blasio on comments made by presidential candidate Donald Trump:

“First and foremost, we always will abide by the U.S. Constitution which prohibits discrimination against religions. We will adhere to the words of our Founding Fathers, not Donald Trump. Mosques don't commit acts of terrorism. People do. NYPD will investigate the crime, not close down places of worship. Finally, NYPD is recognized today as having the top anti-terrorism unit in the world. Our anti-terrorism efforts continue to evolve and improve as we've become more knowledgeable about activities across the globe.”

Statement from Mayor de Blasio on Muslim-Americans and Muslims living in New York City: 

“Muslim New Yorkers are a crucial ally in the fight against terrorism. ISIS does not discriminate and has killed members of many races and religion. The Muslim community is as deeply concerned about terrorism as other communities are. NYPD investigates the crime, not a group of people. That will not change.”