Rep. Beth Van Duyne from Texas is taking a bold approach to address what she perceives as a decline in support for law enforcement in New York State by directly appealing to NYPD officers.
She plans to publish a full-page advertisement in the New York Post, urging these officers to relocate to Texas, a state she claims holds a greater appreciation for law and order.
The advertisement highlights the recent tragic event where NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller was killed during a traffic stop on March 25, noting that the alleged shooter, Guy Rivera, had a long criminal history with 21 prior arrests. This incident underscores her point about New York’s failing criminal justice policies.
Van Duyne’s ad criticizes New York’s leadership, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, accusing them of being more interested in publicity than in substantive support for law enforcement.
Van Duyne’s message is clear: Texas offers a safer and more supportive environment for police officers. This move comes at a time when New York City is grappling with a serious crime increase, which has been exacerbated by recent bail and discovery reforms.
The ad also taps into broader trends of migration from states like New York to more conservative states like Texas and Florida, driven by various factors, including political climate, economic opportunities, and quality of life considerations.
The advertisement provides links to Texas police departments that are hiring and promotes the state’s lower cost of living, higher quality of life, and strong community support for law enforcement as key reasons for officers to consider making the move.
This campaign by Van Duyne not only highlights the ideological and policy differences between Republican and Democratic leadership in different states but also illustrates the ongoing national debate over how best to support and manage law enforcement in the face of rising crime rates and complex social challenges.