New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is defending a call he made to police to inquire about a political supporter’s arrest.

De Blasio made the call after the Monday evening traffic arrest of Bishop Orlando Findlayter. He was a member of the mayor’s inaugural committee.

De Blasio, a Democrat, said on Thursday that the call was “appropriate.” He said it was unusual for a clergy member to be arrested and he wanted to know what had happened.

Findlayter was given a desk appearance ticket and not held overnight in jail. Police have said the decision to let him go was made before de Blasio’s call.

Some good government groups have criticized the mayor’s involvement.

De Blasio says he would take similar actions in the future on “a case-by-case basis.”

(AP)