Cumbo Blames Community Tension For Knockout Attacks

In an open letter posted on her Facebook page, City Councilmember-elect Laurie Cumbo has addressed the recent "knockout" attacks in the Crown Heights community, and has placed the blame on community tension between black and Jewish residents.

Cumbo said in the letter that she has seen a degree of tension in the community with regard to "the accomplishments of the Jewish community triggers feelings of resentment, and a sense that Jewish success is not also their success."

Already, the letter has garnered an intense reaction in the community. Some have said it only further drives a wedge, but supporters on Facebook have added their own comments backing her acknowledgement of largely unspoken tension.

The letter was picked up by several media outlets, and criticized by Assemblyman Dov Hikind. 

Cumbo also wrote in the letter that she plans to hold a series of meetings after taking office in the hope of uniting Jewish and black community members in an effort to stop the attacks.