Activists for Eric Garner, who was killed by police via an illegal chokehold, interrupted opening statements with chants of “Fire Pantaleo.”

The sculptures are billed as the first public art monuments in the world to honor trans women.

Mayor Bill de Blasio: ”We must use every tool we have to ensure that every resident, in every neighborhood, has the same access to cultural opportunities.”

“It’s disappointing that after receiving preferential treatment from the city, James Blake appears to be giving cover to the de Blasio administration for its complete lack of police accountability and transparency instead of supporting the demands of our families and communities for an end to police abuses against us.”

“It’s not close Rikers while we allow law makers to make policy that continues to criminalize Brown and Black people.”