The Saratoga Springs Assistant Police Chief has released a statement addressing controversial remarks he made during a June 28th press conference.
Appearing before the press to discuss a violent incident during the prior weekend, Assistant Chief John Catone went on a tangent against police reform activists.
“It is time for the silent majority we have heard so much about to stand up and be heard. It’s time that the want-to-be elected officials who are pushing the narrative of anti-police, defunding the police, corrupt and racist police, to lose the narrative and get informed about what your police department and what this city is truly about," said Catone.
Catone continued, saying he would draw upon 130 years of family connections to “stop your narrative.”
The comments drew condemnation from advocates, city residents, and groups including the NYCLU.
Wednesday afternoon, ahead of a planned rally from Black Lives Activists who are demanding an apology, Catone issued a statement on social media, saying in part:
“I allowed anger and frustration to interfere with my intended message.”
Catone added his comments “were not meant to cast blame or serve as a threat” but were meant to call on community members to work together to address violence. He is due to retire in eight months.
Organizers of the 6 p.m. rally responded on social media, claiming Catone’s statement was not an apology.
