'Back the Blue' rally held at Eisenhower Park to support police officers

Long Island residents rallied in support of police officers Satruday in East Meadow.

News 12 Staff

Jul 25, 2020, 10:27 AM

Updated 1,615 days ago

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Long Island residents rallied in support of police officers Satruday in East Meadow.
The "Back the Blue" demonstration was held at Eisenhower Park. Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder says the group applied for a permit but did not get one, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo's mandate includes not having gatherings over 50 people.
The event featured several selections from the Nassau County firefighters pipes and drums band. a plane flying over with a banner that read 'Support Law Enforcement,' a prayer and message of support from local clergy and speeches from members of law enforcement and their families.
He says people must have march in order for the event to be held. Ryder says people could stop and make speeches, but had to have keep moving afterwards.
Ryder also says that people needed to keep in mind that it was held in a large, residential park.
The mostly masked crowd was near silent as Lisa Tuozzolo, the widow of NYPD Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo took to the stage to share his story and her message of support for the people she says supported her and her children when they needed it most.
U.S. Rep. Peter King says showing support for families of fallen officers is just one of the reasons he says it was important for him to be at the event.
Texas musician Ted Nugent was invited to sing the nation anthem at the event, but withdrew after being reminded of New York's 14-day quarantine rule.
A counter-protest was also held at the park. Ryder says that police were committed to making sure everyone can exercise their freedom of speech.