ALBANY, N.Y. (News10) — In the wake of recent violent incidents over the holiday weekend, including a flare gun attack that sparked major fires, Republican mayoral candidate Rocco Pezzulo is calling for urgent changes in leadership to restore safety and confidence in the City of Albany.

“As a longtime resident, I’m heartbroken,” Pezzulo said, responding to the surge in violence. He believes the city’s public safety issues stem not from law enforcement, but from a lack of support and direction at the top. “It is the leadership of Albany,” he emphasized. “It is very important that the administration in power supports the police force.”