Bill de Blasio Says Grimm Should Be Censured For Threatening Reporter

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio testifies during a joint legislative budget hearing on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. The mayor is urging state lawmakers to support his proposed tax hike on wealthy city ... New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio testifies during a joint legislative budget hearing on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. The mayor is urging state lawmakers to support his proposed tax hike on wealthy city residents to pay for universal prekindergarten. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) MORE LESS
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Rep. Michael Grimm’s (R-NY) aggression will not stand in the five boroughs.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday that Grimm, a congressman who represents Staten Island, ought to apologize for threatening to throw NY1 reporter Michael Scotto off a balcony following the State of the Union address.

“Absolutely inappropriate. Absolutely inappropriate,” de Blasio said of Grimm’s outburst, according to Politicker. “You know, we’re going to have moments between all of us in public life and all of you who do your job where we have disagreements or tensions, but it’s absolutely inappropriate for it to be expressed in that manner.”

De Blasio added, “There has to be neutral respect even when your questions are tough–your job is to ask tough questions. But to physically threaten someone? That’s something no public servant should do. And I think he owes Mr. Scotto an apology.”

The mayor also said he believes the House of Representatives should censure Grimm.

Grimm initially offered no apology for his actions, but eventually reached to out to tell Scotto he “overreacted.”

Scotto said Wednesday that although Grimm was seething with anger, the congressman never made physical contact.

This post has been updated.

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