It didn’t “concern” Mayor Justin Elicker that protesters shouted down his annual “State of the City” address Monday night, he said.
“I am a little bit concerned about the dialogue,” he said. “I don’t think it was the most productive way to have a conversation. I also understand the frustration.”
Elicker was speaking at a press conference in the mayor’s office suite after he finally was able to complete his address in the Board of Alders chambers.
He was asked about the protesters’ central demand: that he embrace a proposed city resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“I have been unwilling to say I support a ceasefire,” Elicker responded. “I think that simplifies a very complex issue.
“That doesn’t mean I support every way that Israel is approaching this war. Of course it’s tragic what happened with the Hamas attacks and the loss of lives in Gaza. I have some concerns about the language of the resolution. I think it simplifies what is a very complex issue. … In reality, New Haven has no control over foreign policy.”
Click on the above video to watch more of his remarks at the press conference.