NYC mayoral candidate Ray McGuire endorsed by mother of Sean Bell, Black man killed by NYPD
Ray McGuire is the right choice for next mayor of New York City, says the mother of Sean Bell, the Black man killed by the NYPD in a barrage of bullets in 2006.
Valerie Bell’s endorsement came Thursday after her husband William Bell said he was backing another candidate, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, for mayor.
“We need to change the status quo that’s been going on with these mayors, governors, Congress members, Council members,” Valerie Bell told the Daily News. “Things need to change and I feel he’s the right man for that.”
McGuire has come out as a moderate on NYPD issues, saying he wants officers to prioritize de-escalation techniques while shying away from talk of defunding the police. He’s promised not to bring back the NYPD’s controversial Anti-Crime Unit — in contrast with Adams, a former NYPD captain who’s made the city’s spike in violent crime a centerpiece of his campaign.
“People take this job because that’s what they want to do — serve the people and help them out — but do it the right way,” Valerie Bell said of police officers. “The Anti-Crime Unit is not needed.”
Valerie Bell, a former hospital staffer now dedicated to bringing justice to victims of police violence, said she and her husband had no hard feelings over their disagreement in this year’s mayoral race.
“We still stick together,” she said. “We have a right, as they say, to agree to disagree.”
McGuire, who stepped down as a vice chairman of Citigroup before entering the mayor’s race, has emphasized his tough upbringing on the campaign trail.
Valerie Bell said his self-described “streets-to-the-suites” story was part of McGuire’s appeal.
“He didn’t forget where he came from,” she said. “That’s what we need — positive role models.”
Earlier this year, the late Eric Garner’s mother Gwenn Carr also endorsed McGuire.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the endorsement of Valerie Bell,” the candidate said in a statement. “I look forward to working with her to ensure that not only is New York City able to come back, but that our city is fairer, more accountable and inclusive.”
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