CNA Staff, Apr 29, 2020 / 14:30 pm
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio apologized on Wednesday afternoon, hours after sending a tweet that singled out "the Jewish community" while warning of consequences for groups if they violate social distancing orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I regret if the way I say it in any way gave people a feeling of being treated the wrong way - it was not my intention," said de Blasio on Wednesday, referring to the past evening's controversial tweet. De Blasio characterized his comments as "tough love."
The previous evening, the mayor tweeted that he had instructed the city's police force to issue summons to or arrest people who congregate in large groups. De Blasio specifically singled out the Jewish population of the city in his warning.
"My message to the Jewish community, and all communities, is this simple: the time for warnings has passed. I have instructed the NYPD to proceed immediately to summons or even arrest those who gather in large groups. This is about stopping this disease and saving lives. Period." de Blasio said just after 9:30 p.m. on April 28.