Statement of Andrew G. Celli, Jr., of the law firm of Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, attorney for former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, on the filing of De Blasio v. NYC Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) et al.

“In a time of unprecedented threats of political violence, the COIB’s reckless and arbitrary ruling threatens the safety and security of our democratically-elected public servants. It is an affront to the professionalism of the NYPD, and it undermines the City’s compelling interest in allowing its high officials to travel safely anywhere in the world. With today’s decision, the COIB has broken with decades of NYPD policy and precedent, ignored the professional expertise of the greatest law enforcement agency in the world, and violated the Constitution to boot. In the wake of the January 6th insurrection, the shootings of Congressmembers Giffords and Scalise, and almost daily threats directed at local leaders around the country, the COIB’s action — which seeks to saddle elected officials with security costs that the City has properly borne for decades — is dangerous, beyond the scope of their powers, and illegal. Today, just as soon as this action became final, we filed suit to stop this inappropriate and perilous decision from ever taking effect.”

“Every Mayor faces threats, and all Mayors are entitled to protection — regardless of party or politics. That’s why the NYPD is charged with determining what level of protection is necessary for such officials, when, and how. This case isn’t about Bill de Blasio or any other Mayor or high official in particular. It’s about the principle of protecting our leaders from harm — for the good of our City.”

Article 78 Petition June 15 2023