Emergency officials walk near evidence markers on the west side bike path in lower Manhattan, New York, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017. Photo: AP
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says that President Donald Trump's attack against Sen. Chuck Schumer "plays right into the hands of the terrorists."
The Democratic governor pointedly condemned Trump's Wednesday tweets, which criticized Schumer's immigration policy less than 24 hours after the deadliest terrorist attack in New York City since Sept. 11, 2001.
Cuomo said the president's tweets "were not helpful." He added, "You play into the hands of the terrorists to the extent you disrupt and divide ... The tone now should be the exact opposite."
Both Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Trump had yet to reach out personally.
Trump tweeted that Schumer is "helping to import Europe's problems."
He called the visa lottery program that allowed the suspect to enter the country "a Chuck Schumer beauty."
The program became law under President George W. Bush.
