I’m here to say New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years. And we sure as hell are not going to start now.

We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king.

That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored.

We are not subservient to a king or anyone else out of Washington.

New York hasn't laboured under a king in over 250 years and we sure as hell are not going to start now.

These disruptive and unsanctioned work stoppages by some correction officers must end as they are jeopardizing the safety of their colleagues, the prison population, and causing undue fear for the residents in the surrounding communities.

But if it is not resolved, I will send in the National Guard to secure the facilities in question.

This is an attack on our sovereign identity, our independence from Washington.

My administration and I have been and will continue meeting with union leadership to resolve this situation immediately.

I’m here to say: New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years and we are not — we sure as hell are not going to start now.

The streets of this city, where battles were fought, we stood up to a king and we won then and we will.