Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh has announced he is moving ahead with plans to terminate Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora.

It’s the latest chapter in an ongoing saga between Baycora and Sayegh. 

The mayor says Baycora wasn't tough enough on gun violence and that his overall job performance in his two years as chief was poor. The mayor pointed out the surging gun violence in the city. 

Sayegh was asked about a lawsuit filed against him by Baycora, saying that he basically set him up for failure. Sayegh said he couldn't comment on the lawsuit because he hadn't been served the lawsuit at the moment. 

Sayegh appointed Baycora back in February of 2020. Now, Paterson will be looking for a new chief.

"I wasn't elected to be the police chief; I was elected to be the mayor,” said Sayegh. “Residents have already expressed to me, especially this last campaign, that we need a better chief. I told them we would get one."

News 12 has reached out to Baycora but has not heard back. 

Sayegh said the department's deputy chief is now the acting chief and that they will interview candidates going forward.