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I should preface this post by saying that it isn't new that Sen. Eric Adams has said something outlandish during the month of December. Last year, Sen. Adams was yelling "show me the money" on the Senate floor. This year, he is coming to the defense of Senator-elect Hiram Monserrate, who has been accused of attacking his girlfriend.
To be fair, Sen. Adams doesn't defend what Monserrate allegedly did. But Sen. Adams does say that what happened with Monserrate is revenge from the New York City Police Department for Monserrate's fight for police reform.
Liz has the statement from Adams, which is a very interesting read.
"As a former NYPD Captain, I have some serious concerns regarding the unusual handling of the case against Councilman Monserrate," Adams said. "The primary goal of investigating a complaint of domestic violence is to ensure the safety of the innocent victim."
"However, the police department and the DA appear to have ignored Ms. Giraldo's repeated insistence that the injury she sustained was the result of an accident, a fact that has been publicly supported by Ms. Giraldo's family in interviews with the press."
"Second, the department departed from standard operating procedures by requiring a public 'perp walk' past TV cameras, rather than following the normal routine of taking someone out the back door through the precinct's private lot. A 'perp walk' is used when the the NYPD wants to expose a suspect to public view."
"These questions raise serious doubts regarding the motivating factor behind the arrest and charges against Councilman Monserrate. Specifically, these facts suggest that the Police Department's priority is to publicly humiliate the accused rather than following the evidence."
"It is well known that Councilman Monserrate has been an outspoken advocate for police reform. I believe his role as an agent for change cause him to be denied his rights and a thorough investigation."
We also have more information on the incident today. According to multiple media reports, Monserrate and his girlfriend were arguing about a business card found in the girlfriend's purse. The business card was reportedly from a Police Benevolent Association (PBA) member. Why that was enough to spark the alleged attack remains to be seen.
But why Sen. Adams chose to inject himself in this isn't very smart, especially if this turns out to be a crime and not the accident that some are trying to make it out to be. I would not want to associate myself with Monserrate. He might be innocent. But he also might be guilty. It's not worth risking a political career over.
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