Democratic Jersey City Councilwoman Amy DeGise was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run incident after video footage showed her car hitting a bicyclist before fleeing the scene.
WARNING: Here is the footage of the hit-and-run.
The incident took place at the intersection of Forrest Street and Martin Luther Drive on July 19.
During a city council meeting on Wednesday night, DeGise spoke about the personal attacks and pushed back on the people who criticized her. Most of the speakers called for DeGise to resign, as she said every person should wait until the legal process takes place.
DeGise said:
“When the legal process in traffic court is finished, I will have more to say and I can address outstanding concerns and questions. And in the meantime, I’m not resigning.”
“For those who call for my resignation, you are heard and I understand that you have concerns and questions that I respect and would enjoy any type of dialogue or discussion with you after I go to court,”
DeGise doubled down and claimed she was also the victim in this case, although there is video footage of her running over the bicyclist.
“I do not identify with the perception that you have of me, but adversity does make us work harder … To those of you who believe in me, thank you. And to those of you who don’t, thank you for making me want to be a better leader.”
We should wait for the legal process to take place, but when there is footage of the councilwoman’s car in a hit-and-run situation, it is difficult to defend her stance. There were 150 speakers during the meeting; the majority called on her to resign following the hit-and-run.
DeGise responded to the calls to resign, saying:
“I hope no one here is ever subjected to this amount of trauma … But if you are, I will have your back. I will speak out for you and I will make sure that no one puts you or your loved ones through this.”
“This has only made me stronger and I will use that strength to fight for the issues that help every resident.”
The councilwoman said she wanted to deal with the matter privately.
“I’m a private person, more than you think. I know everyone thinks I enjoy this public eye [but], I’m a very private person … And, I would like to deal with this privately and I would like that respect but it has gone vulgar.”
DeGise spoke to those who supported her since the alleged hit-and-run.
“I’m appreciative of everyone who came out and had to stay tonight. I’m appreciative and so grateful for the people who have reached out to support me or just want to wait until that court process goes on to ask me any further questions [or] to pry anymore. I cannot make it through these days without you.”
“I remain committed to this position on the Council, no matter your perception of me. Please know that my commitment is genuine, as is my love for Jersey City, and it is as strong as ever. Thank you.”
She added that she did not have a court date for the alleged hit-and-run.