Attorney General Gurbir Grewal issued a statement this evening in response to the voice recording purported to be Bergen County Sheriff Mike Saudino.

“I have now listened to the recording obtained by WNYC. If that is in fact Sheriff Saudino’s voice, then he should resign immediately,” Grewal said.

“I’ve got thick skin and I’ve been called far worse. But the comments about the African-American community are wrong, racist, and hurtful,” the AG added. “The comments about our Lieutenant Governor are inappropriate and homophobic.  New Jersey and Bergen County deserve better.”

Earlier today, WNYC published a report containing audio with perceived racist remarks – against blacks and Grewal – made by the sheriff after the Governor’s inaugural address.  Murphy called on Saudino to resign, as did Executive Tedesco, while Tedesco’s GOP opponent Norman Schmelz tore into Saudino and county government.