Cuomo, de Blasio Take Divergent Paths To Calm Public Following Chelsea Bombing
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio took widely divergent paths to calm public fears in the wake of the Chelsea bombing.
CBS2's Political Reporter Marcia Kramer reported those who read the tea leaves of the often tense relationship between Albany and City Hall observed the different ways the two men described the bombing. On Sunday, Cuomo said the bombing was an "act of terrorism," however, de Blasio would only say at the time that it was "intentional."
On Monday, the mayor agreed with the governor.
"Based on the information we have now, we have every reason to believe it's an act of terror," de Blasio said.
When asked about the mayor, Cuomo said, "We are totally in lock step."
The two toured the damage together on Sunday as they attempted to show a united front as New York coped with a terror attack just days after the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
On Monday, Cuomo and de Blasio held separate press conferences.
"It is really remarkable when you think about it, how fast this investigation has moved," Cuomo said Sunday.
Appearing several hours later at police headquarters where officials announced the apprehension of the suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami, reporters asked the mayor why the governor was absent.
"Yes, he was invited. Yes, we're working with him. Obviously we got together at the site yesterday," de Blasio said.
What the two are in lock step about is flooding the city with anti-terror cops, state troopers, and the National Guard in what is probably the largest law enforcement deployment since Pope Francis' visit.
CBS2's Kramer asked de Blasio that "New Yorkers want to know right now is if there could be another device."
"First of all, there's no other individual we're currently looking for at this time, to answer your question. Second, vigilance is called for," the mayor responded.
NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said, "I think all New Yorkers should feel secure that the NYPD and all the other law enforcement agencies continue to keep them safe."
The investigation continues as officials expect to find out more about Rahami, who was injured in a shootout with authorities in Linden, New Jersey.
Over two dozen people were injured in the blast in Chelsea on Saturday night.
