Mayor faces criticism for tweet about NFL player who collapsed on the field

Mayor Vi Lyles has received mixed reactions following a tweet about a Buffalo Bills player who collapsed on the field Monday night.

During the first quarter of the Buffalo Bills versus Cincinnati Bengals game, safety Damar Hamlin collapsed after making a tackle. 

Hamlin, 24, was given CPR for nearly 10 minutes before being rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The Bills later reported that he had gone into cardiac arrest.

“This is too much to watch please know we are praying for Damar Hamlin in Charlotte with all of our hearts,” Lyles tweeted. 

The mayor’s tweet was quickly met with criticism. Several users expressed frustration over Lyles’ lack of comment on current issues in Charlotte, particularly rising crime.

As of Dec. 27, 2022, there were already 106 homicides in Charlotte, surpassing 2021’s year-end total of 98.