Protesters disrupted an event featuring former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday night in Brooklyn. Cuomo, who is campaigning for the mayor of New York City, was speaking at a forum hosted by the Black Agenda at Medger Evers College when the incident occurred.
Footage from the event shows several individuals climbing onto the stage, shouting slogans as they interrupted Cuomo. The New York Police Department quickly intervened, escorting the protesters outside. Despite the chaos, Cuomo remained seated with his microphone, continuing to address the audience as tensions escalated.
One protester yelled, “You sick freak!” while another shouted, “Fuck you, Cuomo!” The demonstrators attempted to display a sign, expressing their discontent. Another voice in the crowd echoed the sentiment with, “Cuomo lied, New Yorkers died!” This was a reference to the criticism Cuomo has faced regarding his administration’s handling of COVID-19, particularly the decision to send infected patients into nursing homes, which reportedly led to thousands of deaths.
Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid multiple scandals, announced his mayoral candidacy earlier this month. In a video message, he presented himself as a moderate leader capable of addressing the challenges facing New York City. He acknowledged the difficulties ahead but expressed confidence in his ability to help the city recover.
The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny Cuomo faces as he attempts to reenter the political arena. HBO comedian Bill Maher recently commented on Cuomo’s prospects, suggesting that the nursing home scandal may hinder his campaign. Maher noted that one misstep can lead voters to question a politician’s judgment.
As Cuomo continues his campaign, the reaction from the public remains mixed, with many still grappling with the legacy of his time in office. The protest at the forum serves as a reminder of the challenges he may face moving forward.