NYC police union approves ‘no confidence’ resolutions against de Blasio, commissioner

The union representing New York City Police Department officers unanimously approved on Wednesday “no confidence” resolutions against Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) and Police Commissioner James O’Neill.

The city’s nearly 400-delegate Police Benevolent Association (PBA) called for Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to fire both de Blasio and O’Neill immediately or for the officials to resign.

The group also blasts the commissioner for his recent decision to fire Daniel Pantaleo — the officer accused of killing Eric Garner in 2014 — and criticizes the mayor because he “unlawfully interfered” in Pantaleo’s dismissal, according to a PBA news release.{mosads}

O’Neill’s choice to fire Pantaleo “deprived a dedicated and accomplished police officer of his livelihood,” the resolution said, adding he has not addressed working conditions and mental health support for his officers, according to NBC News.

“Today’s votes are an unequivocal indictment of our failed leaders in City Hall and 1 Police Plaza,” PBA President Patrick Lynch said in a statement. “For years, Mayor de Blasio has demonized police officers and undermined our efforts to protect our city. For years, Commissioner O’Neill has cravenly acquiesced to the Mayor and his anti-cop allies.”

Lynch continued: “Neither can hope to regain the trust or confidence of New York City police officers. They must resign or be fired.”

In a statement to NBC News, de Blasio’s press secretary called the move “another attempt by the PBA to divide our city and we won’t stand for it.”

“Under this mayor and Police Commissioner, our officers and the communities they serve are closer than ever and the city is the safest it’s ever been,” Freddie Goldstein said. “That isn’t changing.”

De Blasio’s office did not immediately respond to a request from comment from the Hill.

“The dedicated men and women of the NYPD are out there each and every day, serving the public proudly and keeping the city safe,” Deputy Commissioner Phillip Walzak said in a statement to The Hill. “The Department stands with its cops and the brave work that they do. As the Police Commissioner has said before, his heart and soul are with the NYPD, and he is honored to lead this Department that continues to drive crime to historically low levels.”