Ahead of Wednesday’s protest, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio refused to commit to firing Pantaleo. The mayor was questioned by Ebro Darden of the radio station Hot 97.
Ebro Darden: “Are you going to fire Officer Pantaleo?”
Mayor Bill de Blasio: “Ebro, I’m going to be real with you. There is a law that determines, first, everyone gets due process. You would want it. I would want it. Everyone gets it. Second, by state law, that is the police commissioner’s decision. I have faith that he is a person who has really worked hard to make this a city that’s fair.”
Ebro Darden: “But you’re his boss.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio: “Again, I’m following the law, and I want to be clear about it. I’m not prejudging. I’m not assuming. There’s going to be a decision next month.”