Newark Mayor Cory Booker Talks About Rescuing Neighbor from Burning House: VIDEO

Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker, who last made an appearance here for his remarks condemning the treatment of gays as second-class citizens, spoke at a news conference this morning about his rescue of a neighbor from her burning house last night. Booker is being hailed as a hero for saving 47-year-old Zina Hodge, who was trapped in a bedroom.

The NYT:

The fire occurred in the mayor’s Upper Clinton Hill neighborhood, as Mr. Booker was returning home from a television interview. The Fire Department had not yet arrived. He said a member of his security detail tried to restrain him, but the mayor responded, “If I don’t go in, this lady’s going to die.”

After ushering others out of the house, the mayor and Detective Alex Rodriguez found the woman on the second floor. Mr. Booker said he picked up the woman, brought her through the burning kitchen and out to safety.

“When you’re hearing someone calling for help and you see a room engulfed in flames, it’s very, very terrifying,” he said. “I had a conversation with God I’ve never had before,” he said. “I want to kiss and hug a lot of people today.”

Watch Booker speak about the rescue, AFTER THE JUMP...

Newark, NJ Mayor Condemns Treatment of Gays as Second-Class Citizens: VIDEO

Responding to a question about New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's call for a voter referendum on same-sex marriage, Newark mayor Cory Booker slammed Christie's suggestion and denounced the treatment of gays in the U.S. as second-class citizens.

Said Booker: "Dear God, we should not be putting civil rights issues to a popular vote, subject to the sentiments and the passions of the day...This is a fundamental bedrock of what our nation stands for."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker is an American for Marriage Equality: VIDEO

HRC has gone national with its video campaign featuring prominent celebrities, politicians, and athletes speaking out in support of marriage equality. The video series was initiated during New York's successful effort to gain marriage equality and has recently begun in Maryland.

This is the first in the "Americans for Marriage Equality" campaign and features Newark, New Jersey mayor Cory Booker.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...