NYC Man Caught Tearing Down Blue Ribbons Apologizes

A man filmed tearing down Blue Lives Matter ribbons on Staten Island is apologizing after getting threatening messages on social media.

Stephen Varvaro tells the Staten Island Advance Wednesday he knows what he did was wrong and disrespectful.

The video was circulated on Facebook and caused a backlash, including threats to Varvaro and his former employer. Varvaro says some people who have seen the video are "overreacting" by posting obscenities and threats to his personal safety.

The Staten Island man says he doesn't feel safe on the island anymore.

Carmen Shouldis, the mother of an NYPD officer, is one of the two women behind the blue ribbon campaign. 

"For some reason he felt compelled to do that," she said of Varvaro. "I don't know his background, I don't know where he's come from. I only wish him the best." 

She pleaded with neighbors to stop their threats. 

"I will not support hatred. I will not support violence towards the individual," she said. 

"Don't ruin his life. He had a moment, he's a kid. We've all had moments. Not one single person or people are perfect," she added. 

Varvaro says he removed the blue ribbons because he was angry and lost control. He says he now realizes the ribbons show support for the families of police officers and are not necessarily a sign of approval for the NYPD.

Shouldis said she "of course" accepts his apology.

"Who am I to judge? I'm just a mom on a mission here. To make my son feel safe, and all law enforcement." 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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