A Democratic candidate for Congress told her supporters that police are "dangerous" on Monday.
"We have to build up our social safety net to make sure we are addressing all of those issues [of criminal justice inequalities]," said Nancy Goroff, the Democratic candidate for New York's First Congressional District. "Those are underlying problems of what makes the police so damaging or dangerous for people of color in so many instances."
Goroff’s comment comes during a nationwide crime wave, which has been particularly severe in the candidate's own state. The Washington Free Beacon reported earlier this month that homicides in New York City have spiked by 59 percent compared with this time last year, while shooting incidents have increased by 177 percent over the same time period.
Despite the spike in crime, some Democrats have pushed to defund police departments across the country. In response, the largest New York City police union endorsed President Donald Trump for reelection earlier this month.
"Across this country, police officers are under attack. Our neighborhoods are being ripped apart by violence and lawlessness," said Police Benevolent Association president Patrick Lynch. "Most politicians have abandoned us, but we still have one strong voice speaking up in our defense."
Incumbent congressman Lee Zeldin (R., N.Y.), who will face off against Goroff in November, released an advertisement Monday touting his consistent support for police and other public servants.
Calls to defund the police are "an attack on the safety of every man, woman, and child in my congressional district," Zeldin said.