War of words erupts between Donald Trump, local NYC leaders

GOP presidential front leader Donald Trump fired back against a rally of local leaders Manhattan on Wednesday morning, accusing them of ignoring “filthy conditions” in New York City.

The steps in front of City Hall were crowded with local advocates, religious leaders and New York City lawmakers gathered to denounce the real estate mogul’s recent proposals to temporarily ban travel by Muslims into the United States.

Organized by City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, she declared “enough is enough” and called him a “disgusting, racist demagogue who has no business running for president.”

In response, a spokeswoman for Trump released a statement from the candidate addressing Mark-Viverito.”

“Perhaps she should focus on taking care of the filthy conditions of New York City, the ever expanding homeless population and lowering taxes, along with Mayor de Blasio, widely considered the worst Mayor in the United States,” the campaign said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio was not at the event, although the mayor did denounce Trump’s comments on the Muslim community, asking “how could the frontrunner for a major party nomination literally be suggesting a religious test on who gets to come into the country? That is a dangerous, dangerous statement.”

“New York City is all about standing against hate and we won’t allow Donald Trump and his supporters to divide us,” says Linda Sarsour, executive director of the Arab-American Association based in Brooklyn.

What Sarsour said scared her more than Trump’s words were his supporters that echoed his sentiments, she says, adding that it was hard to explain those types of cheers to her kids.

At least one person in the crowd did, however, jeer the anti-Trump crowd.

Mark-Viverito’s speech was interrupted by a supporter for the frontrunner, reportedly identified as Rose Rosenberg.

Rosenberg began was shouted down with boos before and chants before she started her own “Trump is love” chant. She was peacefully escorted out of City Hall.

Jamie Gonzalez, 48, came down from Sunnyside, Queens and donned a sombrero.

Originally hailing from Mexico, Gonzalez said he was still upset over comments Trump made when he launched his campaign and accused Mexico of only sending criminals across the border.

“By Trump calling me a drug dealer, a rapist, that’s an insult to me,” Gonzalez said. “I want him to stop.”