Prominent Leaders Voice Strong Support for Attorney General James’ Lawsuit Against NYPD

 

State and Community Leaders Across New York Praise Fight Against Excessive Use of Force

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After New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit yesterday against the New York Police Department (NYPD) for excessive use of force and making false arrests against New Yorkers during peaceful protests, dozens of elected officials, community leaders, and scholars across New York came out and expressed their support for the lawsuit.

They include, U.S. Representatives Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Yvette Clark (NY-09), State Senators Brad Hoylman, James Sanders, Jr., Leroy Comrie, Brian Benjamin, John Liu, Zellnor Myrie, Assemblymembers Linda Rosenthal, Dan Quart, Rebecca Seawright, Carmen De La Rosa, Yuh-Line Niou, Harvey Epstein, Catalina Cruz, Khaleel Anderson, New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Here is what your Bronx Representatives said about the issue which came to light after the Bronx incident on the East 149th Street business area that was left unharmed, with 249 people arrested.

Bronx Congressional Representatives - NONE.

Bronx State Senators - 

Gustavo Rivera -“I commend Attorney General Letitia James for her righteous investigation into the NYPD's brutal display of force during last summer's massive protests that followed the murder of George Floyd, during which thousands of New Yorkers marched against the very same police violence inflicted on Black people,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “Her public hearings further amplified the voices of those who were subjected to the NYPD's disturbing strategies, like kettling and the excessive force we witnessed, as well as the targeting of legal observers and support service providers. The attorney general's lawsuit will rightfully hold law enforcement accountable for inflicting violence on New Yorkers, whose right to peacefully protest is sacred.”

Jamaal T. Bailey - “I would like to thank Attorney General Letitia James for her leadership in filing a lawsuit against the NYPD’s policies and tactics,” said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. “I believe this will lead to more transparency and accountability within the force and ensure that our communities are treated fairly and are not driven by racist policies and actions. I thank Attorney General James for her steadfast commitment to justice and fairness.”

Alessandra Biaggi - “This summer we witnessed devastating police brutality against peaceful protesters and bystanders at the hands of the NYPD,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “The barbaric behavior of the NYPD reveals deeper structural and systematic issues with our approach to policing and the increasing militarization of our police force. I commend Attorney General Letitia James for her unwavering leadership to protect the civil rights of New Yorkers and to hold accountable the people and institutions that violate those rights. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the New York state legislature to pass meaningful legislation to eradicate institutionalized racism and violence within law enforcement.”

Bronx members of the State Assembly - 

Jeffrey Dinowitz - “As reflected in the landmark criminal justice reforms that were enacted over the past several years, the New York state legislature has made clear that we must hold all law enforcement officers to the highest standards of professional conduct and public duty,” said Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Codes. “The allegations made by individuals involved in the protests this past summer are deeply concerning and, if true, indicate that there are institutional problems within the NYPD that have resulted in officers being unprepared for these types of responses. While we know that the overwhelming majority of those in law enforcement are professional and effective, there are exceptions. Thank you to Attorney General Letitia James for investigating these allegations, and I look forward to a resolution that ensures the safety of both the police and those who are being policed.”

Nathalia Fernández - “Our officers take an oath to protect us; yet, we know that there has always been a double standard as it relates to who the police actually serve,” said Assemblymember Nathalia Fernández. “I commend Attorney General Letitia James for taking steps to ensure that the NYPD is held accountable for their egregious actions. It is clear the entire department needs a full-scale culture change — that should be a priority of the next mayor and police commissioner as we must take steps to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.”

Newly Elected Assemblymember Kenny Burgos - “The unmitigated brutality and excessive force we witnessed this summer at the hands of the NYPD against peaceful protesters reflects a disturbing and longstanding pattern of systemic failures that allow such abuses,” said Assemblymember Kenny Burgos. “Make no mistake, there are incredible officers who put their lives on the line every day, but no objective observer could watch the violence we saw and deem it remotely acceptable. I salute Attorney General James for her bold and compassionate leadership in this lawsuit, and for using the power of our judicial system to hold the NYPD accountable, protect the civil rights of New Yorkers, and restore some semblance of trust in our law enforcement.”

Newly Elected Assemblymember Chantel Jackson - “Thank you, Attorney General James, for taking the necessary steps to hold these parties accountable. I, unfortunately, know all too well what excessive force looks like in my community,” said Assemblymember Chantel Jackson. “Just last summer, I watched our police officers rough up young men for not wearing masks. I watched officers beat and detain peaceful protestors for supposedly violating the mayor’s curfew even though it was more than 10 minutes before curfew, while they simultaneously  blocked those same protesters into one space. I watched elected officials get maced by officers for peaceful protesting and just plain terrorize Black, Brown, and poor communities because officers knew no one would reprimand them. I support, and I thank my attorney general for continuously fighting for the voiceless.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr - “Following the death of George Floyd our city saw a desperate need to re-evaluate the way the New York City Police Department handles peaceful protests,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “Over the summer, we saw thousands of New Yorkers met with the excessive use of force when they took to the streets to peacefully protest. Our relationship with the police must be based on trust and not confrontation. I want to thank Attorney General James for taking important steps towards accountability, so that we can move forward together.”

Bronx City Council members - NONE