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Controversy Erupts as Rep. Dan Goldman Dismisses Nassau County Police During Hearing
Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat representing parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, has sparked criticism for his remarks during a House hearing focused on illegal immigration. His comments about Nassau County law enforcement have been labeled as disrespectful by various officials, prompting a wider discussion about the relationship between lawmakers and police.
The incident took place during a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, titled “Given the Green Light: Open Border Policies and Threats to Law Enforcement.” Goldman expressed his fatigue with the recurring discussions about the immigration crisis and specifically mentioned his discontent with the presence of Nassau County law enforcement officials.
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“It is quite shocking that we are having another hearing about this same topic. We have certainly exhausted it,” Goldman stated during the session. He added, “I think we’ve probably had every single law enforcement official from Nassau County before this subcommittee. Can’t say I’m going to miss that when the chairman is not going to be with us next term.”
His comments raised eyebrows as he interrupted law enforcement officials, including Jonathan Thompson from the National Sheriffs’ Association, who attempted to respond to a question when Goldman insisted, “It’s my time, sir.”
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican who represents Nassau County, responded to Goldman’s remarks, highlighting the irony of Goldman’s criticism. D’Esposito noted that Goldman owns a summer home in the county and benefits from the protection provided by the very officers he has dismissed.
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“Commissioner Ryder, I’m sure Mr. Goldman means no absolute disrespect to the people of Nassau County as he appreciates you keeping his summer home safe each year,” D’Esposito remarked after Goldman’s speech.
D’Esposito characterized Goldman as a “partisan hack,” emphasizing that law enforcement plays a crucial role in maintaining public order and safety. He expressed disappointment in Goldman’s approach, suggesting that he should instead take inspiration from the work carried out by Nassau County officers.
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Bill Johnson, the executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations, also criticized Goldman, saying he often ends up on the wrong side of public safety debates. Johnson implied that Goldman’s attitude reflects a broader trend of disregarding law enforcement’s challenges and contributions.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, who testified at the hearing, expressed his shock at Goldman’s unprofessional behavior. He prepared a comprehensive statement and presentation but felt undermined by Goldman’s dismissive comments. Ryder emphasized his desire to share insights on the difficulties law enforcement faces amid the ongoing migrant crisis.
Ryder, attending his first congressional hearing, felt that Goldman’s comments were personal and unwarranted. “To be disrespectful at a public hearing like that for no reason … I thought it to be quite unfair that he would attack somebody who is a citizen coming there to do the right thing,” Ryder stated.
Ryder observed that while his message resonated with some attendees, it appeared lost on Goldman, especially as Goldman exited the hearing abruptly after his statements.
He concluded by advocating for mutual respect between law enforcement officials and lawmakers, emphasizing the commitment of officers to their duties regardless of the political landscape. “The men and women in law enforcement … we have a very proactive approach towards dealing with the migrant issues, but we are respectful and fair,” Ryder said, suggesting that politicians could learn from the professionalism exhibited by police officers.
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