Proud Boys: Cuomo blames Trump and Republicans for violence by a far-right group in New York

NEW YORK – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wonders why Republicans in the state would have invited the founder of the far right group, the Proud Boys, to speak in Manhattan, and blamed them for President Trump violent clashes which took place after the speech.

During a teleconference with reporters, the Democratic governor invited Proud Boys' founder, Gavin McInnes, to speak in front of the Metropolitan Republican Club about "political tactics, as they try to fire their base." "before the mid-term elections.

"Why would the Republican Party of their main club have invited the Proud Boys?" Cuomo asked.

The Proud Boys describe themselves as "Western chauvinists" who constitute a "pro-Western fraternal organization". The Southern Poverty Law Center has stated that the Proud Boys and their leaders "regularly broadcast white nationalist memes and maintain links with known extremists".

Cuomo said that he had ordered the state police to assist the New York Police Department in an investigation into the violence that took place Friday night between the Proud Boys and those who protested against the speech. Three people were arrested, but politicians were outraged by videos posted online about the violence, saying they showed that Proud Boys' members were involved and had to suffer the consequences.

Cuomo said that he had also asked the FBI to help him.

The New York police said Sunday that the situation was still under investigation and that no further arrests had been made.

Before the speech, the Republican club had been vandalized. Officials said the damage involved broken windows, a spray-painted door and a glue-covered keyboard lock. A note left on the scene affirmed that the damage was only "the beginning".

The Republican party described Cuomo's remarks as "scandalous".

In a statement sent by email, spokeswoman Jessica Proud said, "It is unacceptable that when Republicans were attacked and threatened, Governor Cuomo said absolutely nothing. in the society, but the governor – who is responsible for guaranteeing security and property is protected – only thinks that these rights should be granted to the Democrats.This is not surprising on the part of the. man who said that the Conservatives had no place in the state, but that it is still scandalous ".