Senator Golden Statement Regarding Planned March on Verrazano Narrows Bridge

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today has issued the following statement regarding the announcement by Reverend Al Sharpton of the National Action Network to lead a march across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge on Saturday, August 23rd:

“Al Sharpton and the National Action Network plans to close down the Verrazano Bridge as a protest cannot be allow to go forward. Our nation provides everyone the right to free speech, and the right to protest. That being said, it is unconscionable to shut down the only connection between Brooklyn and Staten Island. By doing so, those who wish to protest violence are leaving both Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, as well as Staten Island, in a position where traffic will be at a standstill, leaving emergency vehicles as well as residents trapped on either side of the bridge. Even a partial closure will have a tremendous negative impact.

The policy has always been that the bridge is closed for emergencies or long standing, permitted events such as the marathon and the 5 Borough Bike Tour. To allow a group to shut down an interstate without permits, approval, or significant discussion with NYPD, MTA, and city and state officials is just wrong.”