New Ciattarelli ad slams Murphy on crime increase

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has launched a new digital advertisement criticizing Gov. Phil Murphy for a spike crime, saying that the Democratic governor’s anti-police agenda is responsible.

The ad also quotes Murphy blaming the hot weather.

“Behavior right now, I suspect, (is) partly due to, if not a lot due to, 95 degree, high humidity weather,” Murphy said at a June press conference in response to question about an increase in crime in Atlantic City.

Script: “Crime is on the rise in New Jersey.  But rather than work with law enforcement, Phil Murphy is searching for excuses, because anything sounds better than the truth when its an election year.  But Phil Murphy’s anti-police agenda isn’t just hurting New Jersey, it’s hurting our police too. Making it harder for them to enforce our laws. Keep our families safe. And their own.  This summer, we deserve better, and so do our police. Tell Governor Murphy it’s not the heat… it’s him.”

Ciattarelli says that “Murphy should be held fully accountable for his failure to lead while crime rates skyrocket in our communities.”

“His pathetic deflection of ‘blaming the heat and humidity’ is a complete embarrassment and insults the intelligence of New Jerseyans,” Ciattarelli said. “People up and down this state are extremely concerned, longstanding family traditions are fading away, police recruitment is at an all-time low, and the only thing Murphy has to offer is his usual ‘thoughts and prayers’ from another heavily staged press conference.”

In a statement released by the Ciattarelli campaign, to shore area officials tied enhanced crime rates to Murphy.

“Shore towns are suffering from a rise in crime and lawlessness, and there are zero solutions coming out of the Governor’s office,” said Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra. “Our communities, our residents, and law-abiding visitors deserve someone who will work with us and local law enforcement to find solutions – yet heat and humidity is blamed for the chaos instead of those individuals who actually cause it.”

Sea Bright Councilman Jeff Booker said that Murphy “continues to make excuses for his anti-police agenda, but New Jerseyans are not buying it.”

“Ciattarelli will ensure that all New Jerseyans, whether living in the city or suburbs, will feel safe again. New Jersey can do better, and when Jack Ciattarelli is governor, we will,” Booker said.