Staff Reports
On this day in 2014, then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tried to get in on the Groundhog Day fun by joining the revelers at the Staten Island Zoo. But instead of a lighthearted event, it turned into a shocking and disturbing incident that shocked New Yorkers.
Mayor de Blasio, known for his inability to tackle crime in the city, also showed his incompetence in handling a simple groundhog. The poor Staten Island Chuck, just trying to do its job and predict the weather, ended up tragically losing its life due to de Blasio’s careless actions.
Today is a national day of mourning.
You may say “Happy Groundhog Day” but I hope you know all we hear is “Remember when @BilldeBlasio murdered a groundhog and then got away with it and he now roams the streets of New York?”
We remember his crime. We remember it all too well. pic.twitter.com/VEfFkoxVIQ
— Bill de Blasio Killed a Groundhog (@CharlotteGHogg) February 2, 2022
The entire nation still mourns the loss of Staten Island Chuck, a tragedy that sparked outrage and disbelief. The hashtag “Bill de Blasio Killed a Groundhog” trended as people couldn’t forget the shocking event.
The mistreatment of Staten Island Chuck didn’t end with the drop; the groundhog suffered for seven days before succumbing to its injuries. The zoo’s attempt to hide the truth and cover up the incident further fueled the controversy.
It wasn’t until the New York Post exposed the coverup in September of 2014 that the public learned the full extent of the deceit. The zoo officials not only concealed the groundhog’s death but also kept the fact that ‘Chuck’ was actually ‘Charlotte,’ a female groundhog, a secret.
The attempt to shield de Blasio from the consequences of his actions by claiming the groundhog’s death was due to natural causes only added insult to injury. The entire ordeal painted a picture of deception and irresponsibility that deeply disappointed New Yorkers.
Even after ten years have passed and de Blasio is no longer in office, his nonchalant attitude towards the incident is alarming. The lack of remorse for his actions and the refusal to take responsibility for the harm caused to an innocent animal is troubling.
The tragic Groundhog Day incident served as a stark reminder of de Blasio’s shortcomings as a leader and his disregard for transparency and accountability. New Yorkers will always remember the day when their mayor’s incompetence led to the untimely demise of a beloved groundhog.
