Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik backed the deployment of the National Guard to support local law enforcement officers across the state as protests continued in cities across New York and in the United States. 

Tensions eased somewhat last night after several days of violent unrest, including in New York City, were an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew was imposed. 

 

What You Need To Know


  • For now, no National Guards units have been deployed to New York cities.

  • Tensions appeared to ease during last night's demonstrations.

  • But in New York City, the curfew continued to be defied.

  • Stefanik says the National Guard would support law enforcement.

 

 

Other large cities in New York have also imposed curfews to reduce people in the streets and temper the demonstrations. 

Protesters continued to demonstrate in New York City despite the curfew. 

The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis after he was pinned down by a police officer kneeling on his neck has launched nationwide protests for the last week, leading to confrontations between police and demonstrators as well as thefts from stores and property damage. 

“Americans are united in support of justice for George Floyd, his family, and in the right to peaceful protest,” Stefanik said. “The rioting, looting, destruction, and violence causing loss of life cannot be tolerated. Our New York State and NYC law enforcement needs support from the National Guard. I have heard from many families of North Country law enforcement this evening who are being called to their barracks and will be deployed across the state. Our entire community prays for the safety of ALL. We must end the dangerous rioting and violent destruction of lives.”

For now, the National Guard is yet to be deployed to any city in New York, though Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said guards units remain on standby if they are needed.