Adams: New York City is ‘dealing with a sea of violence’

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) on Tuesday said the Big Apple is “dealing with a sea of violence” after one police officer was fatally shot and two individuals were pushed on the tracks of the city’s subway. 

Adams, during an interview with CNN’s “New Day,” said he is sending the message to New York and America that “we’re dealing with a sea of violence.”

“There are many rivers that are feeding that sea, and one of them is using the proper police tactics to continue to build a dam on that part of this aspect of it,” he added.

The comment came in response to a question about bringing plain-clothed response units back to the city.

The mayor had discussed the initiative on the campaign trail and reiterated his support for the effort on Sunday, telling the network in a separate interview that he is going to restore a “newer version” of the anti-gun unit.

Plainclothes police units dissolved in the city in 2020 following criticism that they initiated use of force against Black and Latino individuals, according to The New York Times. The programs have been condemned by progressive groups. 

Adams further detailed his plans for the “modified version” on Tuesday, noting that they will be better trained.

“We’re going to reinstitute an anti-gun unit where police officers will have a modified version of police uniform apparel, they’re going to be better trained, we’re going to use technologies with cameras to video every interaction, and I’m going to make sure the right officers are assigned there with precision policing to go after those who are dangerous gangs and carrying guns in my city,” he said.

New York City has been plagued by crime in recent days. A New York Police Department officer was fatally shot while responding to a 911 call in Harlem, and a 40-year-old woman was killed by an oncoming train after being pushed onto the subway tracks.

Additionally, a 62-year-old man was injured after being pushed onto the tracks of the New York City subway on Sunday.

Adams rolled out a plan on Monday that calls for placing more police officers in the streets in an effort to remove guns.