Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.

SPRINGFIELD — After two mayoral candidates have come forward criticizing a statement made by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno during a press conference Saturday, Sarno said he stands by his comment.

The comment came after a 23-year-old man was stabbed and killed and two other people were stabbed early Saturday during a house party on Cambridge Street according to police.

During a press conference at the Police Department headquarters later that night Sarno said, "I'm going to say it; if you live by the sword, many times you're going to die by the sword."

The comment received strong reactions from both mayoral candidates Salvatore "Sal" Circosta and Johnnie Ray McKnight who called it "callous" and "insensitive and simplistic" respectively.

Sarno said he continues to take steps to improve the city's educational system, economic development and public safety. As for the comment, Sarno said people know what he means.

"When you run with a negative crowd and you're involved in negative activities bad things can happen to you. That is what that comment meant and people understand that," he said.

While he acknowledged that there have been domestic homicides in the city this year, calling them "tragic and heartbreaking," he said most of the homicides have been targeted efforts.

"These are not random acts. These are targeted acts where the perpetrator knows the victim," he said.

Sarno said there have already been five arrests made for homicides occurring this year and he is confidant there will be more as police continue to investigate. He also said he is aware of the suffering endured by the families of victims of violent crime.

"I've been to my fair share, unfortunately, of wakes, funerals and houses to see these families. No matter how much power a mayor may have they cannot bring back that child. I understand and I respect that there are two families suffering here," he said.

Sarno said now is not the time for campaigning.

"These individuals are playing politics with people's lives and that is extremely disrespectful," he said referring to Circosta and McKnight.

Sarno said he will continue to do his job and work with Police Commissioner John Barbieri after the recent announcement of the expansion of C-3 policing efforts across the city. The initiative aims to reduce crime by police working with residents to root out sources of problems in the neighborhoods, he said.

"I have a job to do. My concentration is to continue to move the city of Springfield forward," he said.