Binghamton Mayor Criticizes Community Group’s Actions

Mayor Richard David says a Binghamton-based citizen group is an "anti-law enforcement organization."

David commented about Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow, which organized a rally after allegations were made that four black girls were strip-searched at East Middle School.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the mayor said based on the group's Facebook page, they "condone violence against police, they celebrate when members of law enforcement across the nation are killed or injured."

David was asked about an online post by the organization that urged those attending the rally at the school to make video recordings of police officers. The message advised participants to "film their every move, especially their interactions with People of Color."

David said police closed the street during the event because there was concern for the safety of participants. Police were advised not to "engage" with those at the rally and no problems were reported.

The mayor said "this is an organization that has made some very disturbing, concerning and disgusting comments about members of local law enforcement and about police officers in general."

David noted the group's role in criticizing the police response to a disturbance at the YWCA last September. Reviews of that incident indicated officers acted appropriately."

The mayor said it appears the group is in search of an incident to promote "false narratives"

David emphasized his views on the community group have nothing to do with whether there's validity to the accusations regarding what happened at East Middle School last month.

LISTEN to Mayor David during a WNBF Radio interview on February 5, 2019.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.