00:00Before I speak about the session I just had on cell phones in schools, I want to
00:05address a matter of national importance. This past Saturday was a dark day in
00:10American history as former President Donald Trump was shot at a campaign
00:15event in Pennsylvania. The FBI has declared that this is a likely
00:19assassination attempt. Let me be clear, violence in our politics is abhorrent
00:28and we thoroughly, thoroughly condemn it. It was a disgusting, cowardly act and it
00:34does not represent the values of our country. And I'm heartened to hear that
00:39former President Trump is doing fine and I do want to acknowledge the swift
00:44actions of law enforcement in the aftermath and other agencies involved.
00:48Our prayers continue to be with him and with those families so tragically killed
00:53or injured. This is a deplorable act as is any act of political violence. Our
00:59democracy was built on a foundation of vigorous debate and the peaceful
01:05transfer of power. We should aspire to be a people of words, not bullets. Such
01:12violent acts make she actually make us weaker, pulling apart our communities and
01:17undermining our unity in the face of the world. And I know that New Yorkers across
01:22our state, across this country, are feeling anxiety and apprehension about
01:28the future and indeed their own safety. It's absolutely critical that everyone,
01:34regardless of your ideology or affiliation, can peacefully express your
01:40political views without fear of violence. In the immediate aftermath of the
01:46shooting, I directed the following actions. The New York State Intelligence
01:50Center is monitoring social media and other communication channels for threats
01:55of violence or retaliation. The New York State Police Counterintelligence Unit is
02:00conducting outreach to local law enforcement to check for suspicious
02:04activity. State police personnel on the Joint Terrorism Task Force are
02:09coordinating with federal law enforcement and partner agencies. We're
02:14also monitoring high-profile locations such as government buildings that could
02:19be potential targets and are increasing patrols in those areas. And the New York
02:25State Police continues to be on high alert to monitor suspicious activity.
02:30We're coordinating with Mayor Adams and the NYPD to ensure the city has all the
02:35resources it needs. We may be Democrats and Republicans in the voting booth, but
02:43above all we are Americans and we must never, ever forget that.
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