Former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg apologises for ‘stop and frisk’ policy as he mulls presidential bid
- Bloomberg continued to back the programme even after a federal judge said in 2013 it violated constitutionally-protected minority rights
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg on Sunday walked back his long-time support for the controversial “stop and frisk” policing policy that disproportionately targeted black and Latino New Yorkers as he mulled jumping in the race for president.
“I was wrong, and I’m sorry,” the former mayor of the US financial capital told a predominately black megachurch in Brooklyn.
The 77-year-old had long defended his backing of the aggressive technique, which gave the city’s police broad powers to search anyone they suspected of criminality.
Bloomberg continued to back the programme – which is being phased out – even after a federal judge said in 2013 it violated constitutionally protected minority rights.
The media tycoon’s speech at the Christian Cultural Centre in Brooklyn’s deprived East New York neighbourhood appeared to be a tacit acknowledgement of the crucial minority backing he will need as he weighs a concerted challenge to President Donald Trump in 2020.