Hochul should appoint special prosecutor to combat antisemitic hate crimes: ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Gov. Kathy Hochul should tap a special prosecutor to enforce the state’s hate crime law to punish offenders fueled by antisemitism and other types of bigotry, said her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo.
The disgraced ex-governor made the pitch while speaking before 150 members of the Harmonie Club in Manhattan Tuesday night, a private Jewish-founded group.
He referenced mask-hiding bullies who harassed “Zionist” Jews on the subway last week and the vandals who defaced the Brooklyn Museum director’s co-op with a red triangle on the front door — a symbol that has been widely used in Hamas propaganda showing Israelis marked for death.
“This is not a first amendment issue. This is illegal. This is thuggery. It’s menacing. It’s criminal trespass,” Cuomo said.
“Appoint a special prosecutor and let’s see what happens when you enforce the law,” the ex- pol said to applause.
Cuomo — who resigned in 2021 amid sexual misconduct accusations that he denies — approved a new law in 2020 classifying any assault of a group based on its race or religion a domestic terror attack, following the stabbing death of Rabbi Josef Neumann, 72, in Monsey in 2019.
The ex-governor said “thoughts and prayers” from politicians whom he described as “weather vanes” only go so far.
“Do something!” Cuomo said.
He snarkily added, “This is New York City. You can break the law.”
Hochul has the authority to appoint a special prosecutor.
Her office had no immediate comment.
Meanwhile, state Attorney General Letitia James and the state’s 62 district attorney issued a letter Tuesday, claiming they will do their job and go after hate-fueled crime.
They cited the antisemitic incidents last week, including the menacing anti-Israel demonstrations outside the memorial for victims killed at the Nova music festival during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack.
“These acts have left large segments of our communities–both Jews and non-Jews–scared for their safety and that of their families and neighbors. No New Yorker should fear for their safety
for any reason, and especially because of who they are,” the letter said.
They pledged to “investigate and prosecute all hate crimes and acts of violence or threats of violence based on the facts and to the fullest extent possible under the law.”
Cuomo was invited to the Harmonie Club by longtime member and veteran political consultant Hank Sheinkopf.
The club had come under fire in the past for being all-white. Sheinkopf said the club has members who are minorities.
