#State AG claims NYPD lied about not being invited to oversight hearing

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New York Attorney General Letitia James
Pacific Press via ZUMA Wire

New York Attorney General Letitia James admonished the NYPD’s top brass Thursday for ignoring multiple invitations to speak at a hearing on police encounters during the George Floyd protests — and then telling reporters they were never asked to attend.

“I understand the NYPD is telling the press that they were not ‘formally’ invited to this hearing,” James said Thursday afternoon during the second day of testimony as part of a probe ordered by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“I verified with my staff that they were invited. I directed my staff to invite the NYPD because I wanted to hear from all sides. Each and every day, I have inquired as to whether or not they have responded.”

James, who stopped after hours of testimony to read the statement, detailed the multiple invites extended to the head of NYPD legal Bureau Ernest Hart, who has been the department liaison during the investigation, as well as other executives in the department.

In addition, the invite was also sent to City Hall “multiple times” in emails and in phone calls — in which James’ office “reminded that the mayor and the police commissioner were invited to attend.”

“Let me be clear, the NYPD and the mayor were invited to participate in this hearing. But in case there is any confusion: Let me take this moment to once again invite them.”

James said that the general public “expects” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea and Mayor Bill de Blasio to add their “perspective at part of this investigation” and will make any accommodations needed.

“I want a fair and balanced investigation and that’s why it is incumbent upon the police commissioner, as well as the Mayor of the City of New York to at least respond and or to appear in person so that we could hear their testimony.”

A spokesperson for NYPD did not respond for comment as to why Shea or another police executive failed to respond or appear for the hearings.

The mayor’s office told The Post that the city was complying with the AG’s probe and will review the comments made during the hearings — but wouldn’t say why de Blasio or Shea did not testify or responded to the AG’s invites.

It was unclear if de Blasio or Shea would testify in the future.

During the two days of hearings, dozens of protesters recounted their interactions, including Dounya Zayer, who was called a “bitch” and shoved to the ground by a cop in a now-viral moment.

The officer, Vincent D’Andraia, has since been suspended without pay and charged criminally in the incident.

Additional reporting by Julia Marsh