Several members of the police union in Syracuse, New York, are shocked that President Joe Biden is still on track to visit the city to tout the CHIPS and Science Act, calling the move “unacceptable” and “just wrong.”
Biden’s trip to Syracuse comes after two police officers were killed in the line of duty last week. New York lawmakers and local community members have expressed opposition to the president’s trip, during which he plans to announce $6.1 billion in federal funding for Micron, a computer technology company.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Syracuse Police Benevolent Association spokesman Joe Moran said he thinks the president does not understand the tragedy that struck the community.
“This has probably been the worst week in our lives for each and every one of us,” Moran said.
The funeral for Onondaga County Lt. Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hoosock, one of the two officers who were killed, was held Monday. The community held a funeral, which was attended by hundreds of the area’s police officers and law enforcement officials, for Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen on Saturday.
“I’m shocked that President Biden says federal grants and Micron is more important than the death of two police officers,” Moran said. “Either he’s underestimating … the impact that this has had on our members or he just doesn’t care.
“It’s one of the two,” Moran continued. “Whichever one it is, it’s unacceptable.”
Moran pointed to the “extensive manpower” that is required to provide security for a presidential visit, calling it “unimaginable.”
“It’s going to bring our workforce front and center to have to come in and provide security this weekend,” Moran said. “The timing of this is just wrong.”
Read the full story in The Washington Examiner.
