January 8, 2021
“One of the most well-documented crimes in history,” is how City Council Member Mark Levine described the MAGA rampage through the nation’s Capitol two days ago. It was a coup attempt and an attack on all of us, he added. Levine and several other elected office holders were in attendance at a unity vigil tonight in Bennett Park organized by Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
The rally drew a few dozen community residents who held LED taper candles and carried signs calling for President Trump‘s immediate removal from office. Espaillat is calling for a second impeachment with just two weeks remaining in Trump’s term. Reasons: he swore an Oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and Trump is a domestic enemy, he said. He also pointed out that impeachment limits the scope of any potential (self) pardon.
State Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa wondered aloud what the police response would have been if the marauders had looked like her. She also referenced her Oath of Office as a little girl held her hand and watched her address the crowd. Espaillat said collaborators must be tracked down and pointed out that, “if they had wanted to get them, they were all at the airport.” Levine demanded that Trump face Federal charges for his part in the mayhem.
NY State Senator Brian A. Benjamin called the assault on Congress, “an act of terrorism – spurred on by the President of the United States and his allies. That is treason and he must be removed!” Mid-vigil, Espaillat announced that his Chief of Staff just informed him that the building Super had just called to report persons unknown were throwing rocks at his W181 Street office. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer announced that somebody left a Confederate flag by the Museum of Jewish Heritage downtown.
Comptroller Scott Stringer confirmed this report, adding that his wife is a Museum Director and had to explain the incident to their little kids. Stringer observed that Bennett Park is where Washington Heights gathers whenever there’s trouble, alluding to vigils for Pulse, New Zealand, and Tree of Life massacres in recent years.
“We witnessed an actual coup attempt in our country. They were hellbent on getting those E.C. votes,” which they were fortunately unable to get their hands on.
NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), in collaboration with state and city officials, will hold a vigil this evening in Bennett Park (Fort Washington) starting at 6PM urging peace and unity following the insurrection earlier this week at the United States Capitol. During the vigil, Rep. Espaillat will reiterate his calls for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump and will introduce new legislation holding individuals accountable for riots that were promoted by unverified claims of election fraud by the Trump administration. Rep. Espaillat will be joined by NYS Assemblymember Carmen De La Rosa, Manhattan Borough Gale A. Brewer, NYS Senator Brian A. Benjamin, NYS Senator Robert Jackson, NYS Assemblymember Al Taylor, NYS Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez, NYC Councilmember Mark Levine, NYC Councilmember Diana Ayala, and NYC Councilmember Bill Perkins. Note, this is a socially-distanced event in accordance to CDC guidance and city and state public health parameters. WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) NYS Assemblymember Carmen De La Rosa Manhattan Borough Gale A. Brewer NYS Senator Brian A. Benjamin NYS Senator Robert Jackson NYS Assemblymember Al Taylor NYS Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez NYC Councilmember Mark Levine NYC Councilmember Diana Ayala NYC Councilmember Bill Perkins WHAT: Community Vigil Calling for Peace & Unity WHEN: Friday, January 8th at 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (EST) WHERE: Bennett Park W. 183rd & Fort Washington Avenue # # # To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov |