Governor Andrew Cuomo is responding to demands of defunding police as protests continue across the state and nation over the death of George Floyd and police violence.

Cuomo made it clear during his Sunday press conference that police in New York are not being defunded, citing the night of mass looting as the prime example of why police are necessary.

He noted that there is tension and distrust between civilians and police officers, but says a night without effective policing shook New York City and the rest of the state to its core.

"Look at that looting. It was frightening,” he said. “It was criminals who were exploiting the situation who were opportunistic, who were just stealing."

Cuomo also announced that socially-distanced graduations of up to 150 people will be allowed beginning June 26th.