'Today We Stand United' | Mayor Young, Baltimore City Leaders Denounce President Trump's Tweets
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- President Donald Trump tweeted Saturday morning about Baltimore, while criticizing Rep. Elijah Cummings and his congressional district.
The tweets from President Trump sparked an instant reaction from City Officials across Baltimore, and lawmakers in the State of Maryland.
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City officials held a press conference outside of City Hall on Saturday night to denounce President Trump's tweets.
"Today we stand united in support of our great City of Baltimore," Mayor Jack Young said at the press conference. "It is completely unacceptable, for the President of the United States of America, to use his considerable power and global voice to attack a vibrant, American city."
Council President Brandon Scott released a statement on Saturday, saying, "because we are Baltimore, we won't be discouraged."
Scott also said that, "[President Trump] can help Baltimore rebuild infrastructure, creating jobs and careers for those who desperately need them."
Scott released a statement, coming to the aid of Cummings, saying, in part:
"Baltimore is a great American City. Yes we face significant challenges like our counterparts across the country, but we are committed to making Baltimore the best city it can be. No one more than Congressman Elijah Cummings, who undoubtledy has been and continues to be a hero across Baltimore for his selffless, tireless work on behalf of Baltimore."
Mayor Young also took to Twitter, denouncing President Trump's comments.
"It's completely unacceptable for the political leader of our country to denigrate a vibrant American City like Baltimore, and to viciously attack U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings a patriot and a hero."
Maryland Lt. Governor Boyd also took to Twitter. Boyd said that although he doesn't always see eye to eye with Cummings, he wanted to make sure that President Trump's criticisms were not directed at the people of Baltimore.
"I have substantial policy differences with Congressman Cummings," Rutherford said. "However, I hope your criticism is not directed at the many good and hardworking people who live in the district."
Political leaders were not the only ones to speak out against President Trump's social media comments. Archbishop William E. Lori also released a statement:
"It saddens me to see Baltimore severely denigrated by the President. Baltimore is near and dear to my heart. It is hometown to over half a million people. It has its tragedies and challenges but also its strengths and opportunities. Many good people are working together to address Baltimore's challenges and to build on its strengths. They deserve the support of elected officials and their fellow citizens."
The National Headquarters for Alpha Phi Alpha is on St. Paul Street in Baltimore. It represents hundreds of thousands of mostly African American men around the world.
"The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., condemn President Trump for his racist, vile and insensitive remarks about Representative Cummings and the great city of Baltimore, home of our venerable brother, the late Justice Thurgood Marshall where our corporate headquarters is located," the organization said.
A spokesperson for Gov. Hogan stated that Baltimore City is truly the heart of our State and more attacks between politicians aren't going to get us anywhere.
Comments have also been pouring in from citizens.
