The following is a statement from Monifa Bandele, member of Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, on behalf of Communities United for Police Reform in response to Mayor Adams’ latest press antics seeking to excuse his administration’s commitment to investing in police over communities. This time ghost guns are his tool to scare New Yorkers.

“Budgets are moral documents, and the Mayor’s budget released yesterday reflects that the city values policing and criminalization over solutions that will actually improve the lives of New Yorkers across the city, especially Black, Latinx and other communities of color. These communities have been the most devastated by disinvestment and need solutions which address long-term public safety and health,” said Keli Young (she/her), spokesperson for Communities United for Police Reform.