China's Response To Coronavirus A 'Terrorist Act', Officials Say

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A group of lawmakers and business owners said Tuesday that they'd like to see China's response to the new coronavirus pandemic declared "a terrorist act."

A press conference was held Tuesday both on Facebook and in the office of New York State Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo in Riverhead to discuss what they called a "bold action to save local businesses and the economy."

Palumbo said the "terrorist act" declaration would open the door for insurance companies to pay out business disruption claims with reimbursement through the Terrorism Risk Insurance Fund.

"It was recently revealed that China knew about the dangers posed by the virus early on, yet did nothing to stop its spread," Palumbo said in a release.

He added: "It is clearly an act of terrorism to intentionally conceal a deadly virus that can infect millions and cause economic devastation around the world. With this declaration we can not only sue China for damages, we will also gain access to hundreds of billions of dollars for our businesses under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Fund."

The officials said they will call on President Donald Trump and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to declare the virus an “Act of Terrorism” and clear the way for the Terrorist Risk Insurance Fund.

According to Gary Pollakusky of the Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce: “Our businesses are in crisis and are counting on the president and governor do everything they can to make sure we survive."

Other elected officials agreed: “Businesses are on life support due the virus,” said Riverhead Councilwoman Jodi Giglio. “They pay high insurance premiums and need the companies insuring them to be there for them. This declaration will help these businesses survive.”

Palumbo is currently running to fill New York State Senator Kenneth LaValle's seat when he retires and Giglio is seeking election to Palumbo's seat.

When asked for his thoughts on the proposed declaration Tuesday, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said he hadn't heard of the measure and would "have to take a look at that."

He added: "As we move away from the height of the crisis and we see the numbers start to go down we can see some think it's time to move away from putting politics aside and the cooperative spirit of working together in a crisis."

Bellone said the spotlight remains on providing supplies for front line workers and finding relief for small businesses and homeowners, as well as moving forward with a focus on recovery and the "challenges we have ahead. I'm not really interested in getting involved in side issues that are not really relevant to what we are doing here."