Andrew Cuomo grants clemency to convicted murderers, domestic terrorist in last-minute act as governor



Disgraced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) granted clemency to multiple murderers late Monday to mark the final act of his long tenure as governor of New York.

What are the details?

Prior to departing office at 11:59 p.m., Cuomo commuted the sentences of five convicted murderers — including one domestic terrorist — and fully pardoned another man.

Most notably, Cuomo commuted the sentence of David Gilbert, 76, who was convicted of three counts of second-degree murder and four counts of first-degree robbery in 1983.

Gilbert was a member of the far-left Weather Underground militant group, which the FBI has classified as a domestic terrorist organization. Gilbert participated in the infamous 1981 robbery of a Brink's armored truck, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers and a Brink's security guard. He was sentenced 75 years-to-life. He will now be eligible for parole.

Gilbert is the father of controversial San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. According to the Associated Press, Boudin had been lobbying Cuomo to grant his father clemency.

The other prisoners include:

  • Greg Mingo, 68, was convicted of four counts of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He served nearly 40 years of a 50 years-to-life sentence. He will be released from prison.
  • Robert Ehrenberg, 62, was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder, and one count of first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary. He served nearly 30 years of a 50 years-to-life sentence. He will be released from prison.
  • Ulysses Boyd, 66, was convicted of one count of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He served 35 years of a 50 years-to-life sentence. He will be released from prison.
  • Paul Clark, 59, was convicted of three counts of second-degree murder, one count of second-degree attempted murder, and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He served 40 years of his 58-year prison sentence. He will be released from prison.

Meanwhile, Cuomo fully pardoned Lawrence Penn, who pleaded guilty to first-degree falsifying business records in 2015. He served two years in prison, but will now have the offense wiped from his record.

I am granting clemency to 6 people.These individuals have shown remorse, rehabilitation and commitment to their c… https://t.co/a4ucz88QYc

— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) 1629762038.0

What did Cuomo say?

In a statement, Cuomo likened the last-minute grants of clemency to fairness, equity, empathy, and justice.

"The march towards a more fair, more just, more equitable, and more empathetic New York State is a long one, but every step forward we can take it worthwhile and important," Cuomo said.

"These clemencies make clear the power of redemption, encourage those who have made mistakes to engage in meaningful rehabilitation, and show New Yorkers that we can work toward a better future. I thank all the volunteer attorneys representing clemency applicants for their dedication and service to justice," the statement added.

Cuomo announced his resignation as governor on Aug. 10 after a state attorney general's report found he sexually harassed multiple women. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, was sworn in as New York's first female governor.

Soon-to-be New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she will seek a full term in next year's gubernatorial election



New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is slated to become the Empire State's new governor later this month when Gov. Andrew Cuomo's resignation takes effect, said during an interview on NBC's "Today" that she plans to run in the 2022 gubernatorial election.

"Yes I will," Hochul said when asked whether she will run for a full term next year.

"I fully expect to. I'm prepared for this," she said, noting that she has "led a life working in every level of government from Congress to local government."

She said that she will "ask the voters at some point for their faith in me again. But right now, I need their faith, I need their prayers, and I need their support to make sure we get this right."

TODAY In 30: 1-On-1 With Dr. Fauci & Incoming NY Gov. Kathy Hochul youtu.be

Cuomo announced Tuesday that he will step down as governor. His resignation is slated to take effect in two weeks.

"I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers. As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State's 57th Governor," Hochul tweeted earlier this week.

Cuomo has served at the helm of New York since 2011.

When Hochul, 62, assumes the role, she will become New York's first female governor. She has served as lieutenant governor of New York since 2015.

Prior to his announcement, Cuomo had faced a barrage of calls to resign from fellow Democrats in the wake of the state attorney general's report that concluded he had sexually harassed multiple women.

"The independent investigation has concluded that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so violated federal and state law," state Attorney General Letitia James said last week. "Specifically, the investigation found that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed current and former New York State employees by engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching and making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women."

In a video released last week, Cuomo said that he "never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances."

Governor Cuomo Responds to Independent Reviewer Report: https://t.co/sgPuPEDXRU

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) 1628010028.0

Gov. Cuomo insists to New Yorkers: 'I told you the truth' about COVID from 'day one,' you can trust me



Embattled New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo — who is currently under investigation for allegedly lying to the public about the number of coronavirus deaths in the state — entreated constituents to trust him, insisting he has told them the "truth" since the start of the pandemic.

"I am telling you as I sit here — I have told you the facts on COVID from day one," the governor said defiantly during a news conference on Monday.

"Whether they were easy, whether they were hard, I told you the truth. While a lot of people were talking politics and a lot of people were talking theory and a lot of people were trying to deny because they didn't want to deliver bad news, I told you the truth," he continued.

“I told the truth on Covid "from day 1." -@NYGovCuomo What an absolute joke he is. https://t.co/GyK3L833Hy

— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) 1627318769.0

It's a bold claim to make for an elected leader who is presently the subject of multiple investigations, two of which seek to ascertain whether his administration intentionally misled the public about the number of nursing home residents in the state who died as a result of the virus.

Early on in the pandemic, Cuomo implemented a dangerous and misguided policy of forcing nursing homes to accept coronavirus-positive patients back into facilities to free up space in nearby hospitals. The policy remained in place for several weeks before it was finally rescinded — but not before thousands reportedly died as a result.

In January, New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, released a report accusing the administration of undercounting the nursing home deaths in the state by at least 50%. The report suggested the administration did this by only counting deaths at actual nursing home facilities rather than including deaths that occurred at a hospital after a nursing home resident was transferred there to receive more medical attention.

Many believe the Cuomo administration undercounted the deaths on purpose in order to disguise the deadly result of the policy.

Nevertheless, on Monday, Cuomo — who is also under investigation over sexual harassment claims — defiantly implored New Yorkers to adhere to his sage advice regarding vaccines.

"I believe in you," he said. "I believe in New Yorkers. I believe if they get the truth and they get the facts, they will do the right thing. I'm a lifelong New Yorker. I know New Yorkers. Give them the facts!"

Gov. Cuomo issues executive order declaring 'disaster emergency' on issue of gun violence



New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced the issuance of an executive order declaring a "disaster emergency" on the matter of gun violence.

"Today I am issuing an Executive Order declaring a Disaster Emergency on gun violence. Gun violence is a public health crisis, and we must treat it like one. This declaration will allow us to give this crisis the full attention & resources it deserves," the Democrat official tweeted.

Today I am issuing an Executive Order declaring a Disaster Emergency on gun violence.Gun violence is a public hea… https://t.co/b0p56VnXCM
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) 1625596510.0

During remarks on Tuesday Cuomo discussed various plans to combat gun violence in the Empire State, including a "border war" to block firearms from flowing in from other states.

The New York State Police "will form a new Gun Trafficking Interdiction Unit to stop the flood of illegal guns coming into NY from states with weak gun laws," Cuomo tweeted.

Combatting gun violence means getting illegal guns off the streets.74% of guns used in crimes in NYS were purchas… https://t.co/fh8gDzLff1
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) 1625599425.0

While delivering remarks on Tuesday the governor claimed that "we wasted so much time and money in this nation fighting illegal immigration. Illegal immigration is not killing Americans. Illegal guns are killing Americans."

Cuomo, who has served as governor of New York for more than a decade, described gun violence as a civil rights issue.

"Gun violence is a major civil rights issue today. Yes, education, yes employment, yes discrimination, but also gun violence. Gun violence is hitting the black and brown communities hardest and it's compounding the damage from COVID," he said.

Another avenue through which the state will seek to tackle the problem is through funding summer employment opportunities for at-risk youth.

Cuomo said that more people were shot over July 4th weekend than had passed away from coronavirus: At least 51 people were shot over the weekend in the state compared to 13 COVID-19 fatalities, according to text on screen which accompanied the governor's remarks.

"If you can beat COVID, you can beat gun violence, you can beat poverty, you can beat drug abuse, you can beat whatever you wanna beat. We just have to want to do it," Cuomo said. Earlier during his remarks the governor had described gun violence as an "epidemic" and said that "it's a matter of life and death also."

Governor Cuomo Signs First-in-the-Nation Gun Violence Disaster Emergency to Build a Safer New York www.youtube.com

'Chosen in secret': New Yorkers slam Gov. Cuomo for latest COVID-related mess



It seems that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) knows only how to rankle — or kill — people when it comes to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

His policies led to the deaths of thousands of people in long-term care facilities in New York.

His attempt to cover up the scandal led to investigation and open ridicule and disdain from state officials — including members of his own party.

His effort to capitalize on the pandemic by writing a book touting his leadership during the crisis earned him mockery from coast to coast.

Now, as he tries to honor the efforts of essential workers over the last year and a half, New Yorkers are ripping him for snatching up rare and valuable green space in lower Manhattan, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

The "Circle of Heroes" monument in NYC will open this Labor Day, honoring the essential workers who carried us thro… https://t.co/b92vMvOxpl

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) 1624471696.0

What's happening?

Cuomo announced a plan recently to grab green space from the local Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City to create a concrete "Circle of Heroes" monument to honor essential workers — but he announced the plan without input from the local community, the Post said.

And now community members are fighting back.

One resident, Adrian Mak, told the Post that the memorial will require bulldozing a local park's grass and trees, which will be replaced with concrete and some sort of "eternal flame."

"The memorial site was chosen in secret without any public hearings, public meetings, or community input," Mak said.

Critics of Cuomo's memorial plan claim the governor "appointed a task force consisting exclusively of union leaders to recommend a site and excluded any members of the Battery Park City community," according to the Post.

Opponents of the land grab started a Change.org petition calling for the monument to be moved, which currently has more than 5,200 signatures.

And now they've got elected officials on their side.

City Councilwoman Margaret Chin, who represents Battery Park City, was not pleased and sent a terse letter to Cuomo about his plan, pointing out that this is the third time Cuomo has done this to her community.

"I am writing to urge you to halt current plans to erect a memorial in Battery Park City's Rockefeller Park," Chin wrote, the Post reported. "The announcement on June 23rd about the monument's siting and expedited construction timeline came as a shock to my office and the local Battery Park City community."

"The project is on course to create serious quality of life issues for local residents, who have relied on this open green space throughout the pandemic," she added. "I strongly encourage you to order construction to stop until there has been a proper process of community engagement with local residents and elected officials."

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D) asked the governor to "pause the saws."

"New York's essential workers deserve our honor and respect—and we can commemorate them with a memorial," he tweeted. "But bulldozing vital open space in lower Manhattan isn't the way to do it. @NYGovCuomo needs to #PauseTheSaws and consult with the community on location and design."

New York’s essential workers deserve our honor and respect—and we can commemorate them with a memorial. But bulldoz… https://t.co/Mnd5ja4y6N

— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) 1624907600.0

State Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou — who famously went after the governor's lies when he attempted to cover up the COVID-19 nursing home deaths – criticized Cuomo for not seeking community input.

Governor, everyone wants to honor our essential workers that kept us safe during this pandemic. This could be in ha… https://t.co/KbWPByZy8C

— Yuh-Line Niou (@yuhline) 1624893763.0

The Manhattan Community Board accused the governor of refusing to work with his nemesis, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, and ripped him for not consulting locals.

"Governor Cuomo announced he was taking away park space last week and the earth moving equipment showed up before the weekend was up," the group said. "All this because he refuses to work with the Mayor to jointly honor Essential Workers. This is where the children play. #politicsoverparks."

"What is the rush? Which of our representatives will speak truth to power?" they continued. "Is this the best way to honor the Essential Workers? Who knows!? We have no idea who was consulted or contributed to the design!"

@NY4P What is the rush? Which of our representatives will speak truth to power? Is this the best way to honor the… https://t.co/pWM9xk4MlI

— Manhattan Community Board 1 (@CommunityBoard1) 1624890314.0

Following the blowback, the Post said, Cuomo's office announced that the monument, which will take up 2% of the park's acreage, would be moved from the center of the park to a corner area.

Gov. Cuomo says 'feeling uncomfortable' isn't harassment, contradicting harassment law he signed



Facing allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) attempted to defend himself Thursday, saying that making someone "feel uncomfortable" is not harassment.

During a news conference, City & State NY reporter Rebecca Lewis asked the governor about the statement he made after Charlotte Bennett, a former Cuomo aide, accused her ex-boss of making inappropriate sexual advances toward her.

"I never meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable," Cuomo said in response. "I never said anything that I believe is inappropriate. You can leave this press conference today and say, 'Oh, the governor harassed me.' I would say I never said anything that I believed was inappropriate. I never meant to make you feel that way. You may hear it that way, you may interpret it that way. And I respect that, and I apologize to you if I said something that you think is offensive."

But Lewis pressed him on the legal definition of sexual harassment, saying, "The harasser's intention doesn't matter. You can apologize if you make someone feel uncomfortable. I'm just wondering — do you acknowledge that, according to the law, it doesn't matter?"

"Harassment is not making someone feel uncomfortable," Cuomo insisted. "That is not harassment. If I just made you feel uncomfortable, that is not harassment. That's you feeling uncomfortable."

This exchange between Cuomo and my City & State colleague Rebecca Lewis is a great example of why he was avoiding i… https://t.co/XrcoMY3YTN

— Zach Williams (@ZachReports) 1620930075.0

Cuomo's response raised eyebrows in the room and drew condemnation from anti-sexual harassment activists and Bennett, one of his accusers.

"When @NYGovCuomo propositioned me for sex, he broke the law," Bennett said. "It is very simple: the issue is about his actions, it is not about my feelings. He broke the law (you know, the one he signed). Apologies don't fix that, and neither do denials."

In 2019, Cuomo signed a sweeping law that strengthened protections against sexual harassment and lowered the bar for a victim to prove harassment took place. The law defines sexual harassment as "unwelcome verbal or physical behavior based on a person's gender."

When @NYGovCuomo propositioned me for sex, he broke the law. It is very simple: the issue is about his actions, it… https://t.co/gFzPjOEPz6

— Charlotte Bennett (@_char_bennett_) 1620924891.0

The Sexual Harassment Working Group, an activist organization comprised of former New York legislative staffers that fights harassment in the state Capitol, issued a statement blasting Cuomo's "self-delusion."

"Today Andrew Cuomo's self-delusion reached impressive new heights & our response is very simple: Just because you believe you can't make anyone 'feel' harassed by your actions, doesn't make it legally true. If the Governor tried that before a judge he'd get laughed out of court," the group said. "We accept his original confirmation of Charlotte Bennett's account of him breaking the New York Human Rights Law he signed, by creating a hostile work environment and grooming her for sex."

"We eagerly await the Attorney General's investigation and look forward to the Governor being held accountable for his actions: Not anyone's feelings," the group added. "We are not going away and Cuomo will not silence victims."

Cuomo faces accusations of sexual harassment from nearly a dozen women following the first accusation from Lindsey Boylan, a former aide. State Attorney General Letitia James (D) opened an investigation into the allegations earlier this year. At the same time, Cuomo is also under investigation for allegedly covering up nursing home deaths, tying vaccine access to political support, and misusing state resources to write and promote his pandemic book.

The New York State Assembly has also opened an impeachment inquiry into Cuomo, though Republicans have criticized what they say is a "stalled" investigation that has only provided two updates since it began more than two months ago.

Resurfaced video from 2018 shows Andrew Cuomo creepily inviting female reporter to come to his shower to hear him sing



An unearthed video from 2018 shows New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo make a creepy suggestion to a female reporter and helps substantiate a pattern of inappropriate sexual behavior from the beleaguered Democrat.

The exchange discovered by TheBlaze comes at the end of a debate between Cuomo and his Republican gubernatorial challenger Marc Molinaro.

The contentious debate was winding down when WCBS-TV political correspondent Marcia Kramer asked the candidates to hum a few bars of a song that personalized the candidates or their campaigns. Cuomo quickly tossed out a rap song about New York City by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

"Empire State of Mind, I'm not singing it," Cuomo refused.

"Oh c'mon!" said Kramer. "You can do it!"

"No, no," responded Cuomo.

"Oh, you're a coward!" she teased.

"In the shower I can do it!" he added, smiling.

Kramer moved on to Molinaro who also refused to sing the song he cited.

"Can't I get you to sing just a few bars of Empire State of Mind?" she said back to Cuomo.

"No! That's a campaign killer!" he joked.

"Alright, fine, we're gonna go to the end of the debate," she continued.

"Unless you come to the shower!" Cuomo added.

Although Molinaro appeared unfazed by the joke at the time, he later tweeted that the comment was "awkward & inappropriate."

Cuomo is fighting numerous accusations from women claiming a range of sexual harassment incidents, including unwanted touching, groping, and inappropriate comments. He is also facing public outrage from a controversial order he gave to house coronavirus-positive patients in nursing homes where thousands of elderly patients later died. Several prominent politicians have called for his resignation, including many from his own party.

Molinaro's running mate at the time, Julie Killian, also registered her complaint against Cuomo on Twitter.

"Really @andrewcuomo? You've hid in your mansion while countless women have spoken out against Albany's rampant culture of sexual abuse; and now you're inviting them to your shower," Killian tweeted.

Others criticized, him including Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Larry Sharpe.

"How can a person (@NYGovCuomo) claim he supports women's rightsand [sic] then invite the debate moderator into the shower? It's hypocrisy at its finest," he tweeted.

Here's the video of the bizarre Cuomo comment:

New York Gubernatorial Debateyoutu.be

NY Legislature moves to strip Gov. Andrew Cuomo of emergency powers



Democratic leaders of the New York Legislature have reached an agreement set to pass as early as this week that would revoke the emergency powers granted to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) early last year to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Lawmakers said they seek to return to a balance of power, but the move comes as Cuomo remains embroiled in controversy over allegations that his administration underreported nursing home deaths — and the day after a third woman went public with claims that the governor made unwanted sexual advances toward her.

What are the details?

The legislature announced in a news release that Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D) and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D) have agreed to legislation that would immediately revoke the temporary emergency powers granted to Cuomo, which are currently set to expire at the end of April.

#BREAKING: NYS Legislative leaders say they will vote to repeal @NYGovCuomo’s #COVID19 emergency powers. This repea… https://t.co/Si3aR4NP5w
— Dave Greber (@Dave Greber)1614719149.0

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner told WNBC-TV that the measure could be passed as early as Friday.

The outlet reported that "Queens State Senator John Liu (D) said the agreement is less about retribution from the mushrooming scandals the governor is facing, and more about restoring the balance of power in Albany between the branches of government."

Meanwhile, calls for the governor to resign have escalated, as three women have come forward accusing Cuomo of sexual harassment, and reporters and lawmakers alike have issued public claims that Cuomo bullied and threatened them. That is all in the midst of widespread outcry after a top aide was recorded acknowledging to state Democratic leaders that nursing home deaths during COVID-19 were underreported over fears from political fallout under former President Donald Trump.

Cuomo issued a statement in reaction to the harassment claims, saying in part, "I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended."

The governor has refused to step down, but the New York Post — which broke the story of the nursing home scandal — reported Tuesday that Cuomo has been "quick" to call on other politicians to resign over allegations of sexual harassment in the past.

Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) vowed Monday to launch an investigation into the sexual harassment claims against Cuomo. Several fellow New York Democrats, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, have said that Cuomo should resign if the claims against him are confirmed.

'You are a monster': Democrats lash out at Andrew Cuomo over newest allegations, call for investigation



Democratic politicians are becoming increasingly outspoken about New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), a scandal-embattled Democratic leader who is quickly falling from his party's good graces.

Already saddled with a nursing home scandal in the Empire State for which Cuomo has blamed Republicans and former President Donald Trump, more Democrats are calling for an investigation into Cuomo after another woman came forward with allegations that Cuomo sexually harassed her.

As TheBlaze reported, a former Cuomo aide alleged Saturday that Cuomo sexually harassed her last year.

"I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and felt horribly uncomfortable and scared," Charlotte Bennett told the New York Times. "And was wondering how I was going to get out of it and assumed it was the end of my job."

What are the details?

Many of New York's top Democratic politicians called for an "independent investigation."

New York state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "The continued allegations are deeply disturbing and concerning. The behavior described has no place in the workplace. A truly independent investigation must begin immediately."

New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D) said, "As I previously stated, all allegations of harassment must be taken seriously. A truly independent investigation is warranted."

Even Lt. Gov Kathy Hochu (D) said, "Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and taken seriously. I support an independent review."

Other Democrats even demanded Cuomo's immediate resignation.

"[Y]ou are a monster, and it is time for you to go. Now," New York state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (D) wrote on Twitter.

.@NYGovCuomo, you are a monster, and it is time for you to go. Now.
— Alessandra Biaggi (@Alessandra Biaggi)1614470257.0

"The assertions against Governor Andrew M. Cuomo by Charlotte Bennett detail behavior that is unacceptable," Biaggi also said in a statement. “I am especially horrified by the comments the Governor made to Charlotte about her experience with sexual assault — comments he did not deny making. They are the epitome of a hostile work environment."

“As a New Yorker, a legislator, Chair of the Senate Ethics and Internal Governance Committee and a survivor of sexual abuse, I am calling for Governor Cuomo to resign," Biaggi added.

Anything else?

New York State Attorney General Letitia James (D) also called for an investigation into Cuomo on Sunday.

She said:

Allegations of sexual harassment should always be taken seriously. There must be a truly independent investigation to thoroughly review these troubling allegations against the governor, and I stand ready to oversee that investigation and make any appointments necessary. Given state law, this can only be accomplished through an official referral from the governor's office based on State Law (§ 63-8) and must include subpoena power. I urge the governor to make this referral immediately.

Cuomo's office later claimed Sunday that it had requested an independent investigation into the allegations.

Even New York Democratic lawmakers are calling 'BS' after Gov. Cuomo's latest attempt to shift the blame in nursing home cover-up: 'Lie on top of a lie'



New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo spent a big chunk of Monday attempting to shift the blame — again — over the nursing home scandal. But not even his fellow Democrats are falling for it. Some of them are calling him a liar and pointing out his "BS" for blatantly trying to mislead New Yorkers.

What's the background?

Cuomo has been facing increased pressure about the scandal after the Associated Press revealed Thursday that thousands more coronavirus patients were sent to nursing homes than Cuomo had previously admitted.

The scandal of the admittance revelation was compounded by a New York Post report the same day that top Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa admitted to state Democratic leaders that Cuomo's office hid nursing home data to blunt pressure coming from the federal level and to avoid bad publicity they knew they would get if former President Donald Trump got ahold of the information.

During a news conference in Albany Monday, Cuomo blamed nursing home staff for spreading the virus and repeated his insistence that his policy of sending coronavirus patients to nursing homes was not responsible for the wave of nursing home deaths.

Cuomo also tried to explain away what his aide had admitted and the fact that his office did not share the nursing home data publicly with lawmakers. The governor blamed a U.S. Department of Justice probe into his nursing home policy for delays in releasing the death tally, the Post noted. Cuomo claimed that his office had told state lawmakers about the probe and data delay.

Democrats call out Cuomo

New York Democratic legislators are not buying what he's selling.

Democratic state Assemblyman Ron Kim said "all of it is BS" and a cover-up, the Post reported.

"They could have given us the information back in May and June of last year. They chose not to," the lawmaker said, ignoring Cuomo's claim that the DOJ probe was the cause of the delay and instead pointing to DeRosa's admission that the governor's office hid the information over fears that "the information would be weaponized against them."

Another Democrat, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, said on Twitter that Cuomo was not telling the truth when he claimed he had told the legislature about the DOJ probe causing a delay in sharing the data. According to the lawmaker, she had to read about the probe in the Post.

"No, @NYGovCuomo, you did not tell the entire Senate or Assembly that there was a DOJ investigation, as the reason why you didn't share the nursing home numbers," Biaggi wrote. "I found out about a DOJ investigation with the rest of NY'ers in the @nypost story Thursday night."

No, @NYGovCuomo , you did not tell the *entire* Senate or Assembly that there was a DOJ investigation, as the reaso… https://t.co/4XHtqfYZtn
— Alessandra Biaggi (@Alessandra Biaggi)1613420429.0

Another Democratic lawmaker, Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, said Cuomo was blatantly trying to mislead the public to cover up past lies.

"The legislature had no knowledge of a DOJ inquiry," Niou tweeted. "The legislature at a public hearing asked questions of the executive and of the health commissioner and then was lied to. The things said in this last press conference were frightening because for their blatant goal to mislead."

The legislature had no knowledge of a DOJ inquiry. The legislature at a public hearing asked questions of the execu… https://t.co/TYFZMiA61S
— Yuh-Line Niou (@Yuh-Line Niou)1613421738.0

Democratic state Sen. Julia Salazar backed up Biaggi's and Niou's claims and called Cuomo's claims "a lie on top of a lie" in a Twitter thread Monday afternoon.

"The Governor keeps trying to evade responsibility for his misjudgment (an understatement) in concealing the number of nursing home deaths by claiming that he'd informed the legislature. But this contradicts the point of his administration's private call with legislators last week," she wrote in response to Cuomo's presser. "If the Governor had actually informed the legislature months ago that his office was withholding the data they had on total nursing home deaths, there would've been no need for them to have a call with a group of legislators last week to inform them of this for the first time."

"Governor can claim (as he's done) that they withheld the data bc they thought it would be used against them by the DOJ(!)," she continued. "But claiming they informed the legislature is a lie on top of a lie. If he'd been honest in the first place, he may have had one bad news cycle. But now?"

She went on to blast the governor for a string of false statements and a wild claim that defied the known nature of Albany to leak secrets.

If the Governor had actually informed the legislature months ago that his office was withholding the data they had… https://t.co/vrqKdywMQ8
— Julia Salazar (@Julia Salazar)1613419937.0
Of the false statements that we’ve heard from the Governor today, the wildest one to me is that he expects us to be… https://t.co/QudGnpxaVh
— Julia Salazar (@Julia Salazar)1613422814.0

State Sen. John Liu ripped Cuomo for misleading the public and "withholding information the the public deserves to know," the Post repotted.

Liu, along with more than a dozen other New York Democratic state senators, has joined Republicans to back a bill calling for Cuomo's emergency pandemic powers to be revoked.