Activists bring coffin to City Hall to protest rise in NYC violent crime

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Protesters demonstrated at City Hall Wednesday over the increase in crime in parts of New York City, calling for more police and an increase in stop and frisk.

To make their point, they used a coffin.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said fighting the uptick in violent crime, homicides and shootings is now his number one priority.

He pointed out despite the new concern overall, crime remains low in New York.

But next week, the mayor is sending 330 officers to high-crime areas, a renewed effort to fight a growing problem.

"But I gotta tell you last year at around this same time of year we saw some upticks and some challenges and we went right at them," the mayor said. "And we've announced, starting Monday, Summer All Out goes into effect. We're shifting hundreds of officers to where the need is greatest."

But the mayor's critics are blasting him on crime, and wheeled a coffin out of a hearse at City Hall Wednesday. And yes, it was supposed to be inflammatory.

"You see as we stand behind here a coffin that's probably going to be used by one of our young people is going to die, due to gun and gang violence in our community. This mayor has to step up," said community activist Tony Herbert.

Herbert is angry the mayor hasn't met with him and others on the issue of crime He says the mayor has to do much more.

"And I'm gonna say this clearly, the blood on your hands is those who are dying in our communities is on your hands Mayor de Blasio because you're not sitting with the people that can get to the people in the community to make the differences that we need to make happen," said Herbert.

The mayor pushed back on this new criticism, saying his officials have met many times with Herbert. And he says things like bringing a coffin to City Hall and yelling doesn't really help.

"I think some people for whatever reason want to promote themselves or be dramatic but in fact the vast majority of New Yorkers appreciate the fact that the NYPD is doing a great job," said de Blasio.