Cuomo Blames Trump For Inciting Ultra-Orthodox In Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo says a robocall is inciting division and violence at protests against coronavirus restrictions in Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish communities.

The call, which the governor played at a briefing Friday, features an organizer who claims to have been in touch with the Trump campaign urging protesters to bring signs targeting Cuomo to the demonstrations.

“Come to 13th Avenue and hold big signs – ‘Cuomo killed thousands’ — as many as possible, as big as possible,” the man says. “The Trump campaign is urging us to hold as many and as big signs as possible. Please send this message around. Make it go viral."

The Trump campaign has denied involvement in the robocall.

Cuomo also pointed to a Tweet appearing to be from Heshy Tischler — a former City Council candidate who has been spearheading the often-violent protests — asking for someone to print "Cuomo hates Jews" and "Cuomo killed thousands" on flags.

The Tweet is actually from a "fan" account bearing Tischler's name, Tischler told the Daily News. Tischler added that he has reached out to the Trump campaign, but has not heard back.

“I’d love for President Trump to come to one of my rallies,” he told the News.

Cuomo blasted the robocall and Tweet as examples of Trump "fomenting the ultra-Orthodox in Brooklyn" and a general habit of divisiveness from the president, who Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has similarly blamed after a plot to kidnap her was revealed.

"I agree with Gov. Whitmer — he is exploiting division," Cuomo said. "There is no question that the President of the United States is a divisive force and he has been from the day of his election."