Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Police Brace for Potential Crown Heights Unrest
By
Jen Chung
Published May 22, 2008
Modified May 22, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published May 22, 2008
Modified May 22, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The police have increased their presence in Crown Heights after two incidents that have upset the black and Jewish communities and caused unrest between them. And many are recalling the summer of 1991, when the Crown Heights riots shook the city.
Last month, a 20-year-old black man, Andrew Charles, the son of a police officer, was attacked by a group of white men believed to be part of the Hasidic anti-crime patrol, Crown Heights Shmira. Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes said, "You can’t have a group, whether it’s the Bloods, Crips or Shmira, acting like vigilantes," which angered Jews.
Then last Friday, a 14-year-old Jewish teen Alon Sherman was beaten and robbed of his wallet, cell phone, watch and bike, seeming by a group of black teens in retaliation of Charles' attack. That has led to hundreds of Hasidic Jews protesting the Sherman's attack and Hynes' characterization of them.
Some black and Jewish Crown Heights residents told the Sun they think "officials are overreacting" with their rallies that attempt to ease racial tensions and, today, a 14-year-old was arrested for Sherman's beating. He will be charged as an adult.
Photograph of a police van in Crown Heights last year by Runs With Scissors on Flickr
Tagged
black
charles hynes
Crown Heights
Hasidic Jews
jews
nypd
racial tension
Shmira
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Hochul, Blakeman offer opposing visions for jobs to stem New York exodus
A million New Yorkers have moved across state lines since 2020 due to the cost of living.
By
Jimmy Vielkind
Published Oct 15, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Hannah-Jones, NYC schools chancellor set to speak at high-stakes integration town hall
The prominent journalist crossed paths with Kamar Samuels years ago due to problems at her daughter's elementary school.
By
Jessica Gould
News
Hannah-Jones, NYC schools chancellor set to speak at high-stakes integration town hall
The prominent journalist crossed paths with Kamar Samuels years ago due to problems at her daughter's elementary school.
By
Jessica Gould
Queens man found dead, police say, and injured woman is his mother, neighbors say
By
Charles Lane
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
Brooklyn school dean says MTA officers assaulted him over a $3 bus fare he says he paid
By
Carol Chen
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .