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Bloomberg To OWS: "You Want To Get Arrested? We'll Accommodate You"
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Mar 20, 2012
Modified Mar 20, 2012
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Mar 20, 2012
Modified Mar 20, 2012
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In the wake of this weekend's violent confrontations between protesters and the NYPD, Mayor Bloomberg has a message for Occupy Wall Street: the days of pre-eviction Zuccotti are over. According to the Times, Bloomberg told reporters at a press conference yesterday, "You want to get arrested? We'll accommodate you." He added, “If you have something, really, to say, that would be a great contribution, nobody can hear you when everybody’s yelling and screaming and pushing and shoving." Remember: "this is New York City, you can't be making noise at night."
Bloomberg's comments came as several of the city's elected officials criticized the NYPD's treatment of protesters at a press conference in Zuccotti Park yesterday. Councilmember Jumanne Williams said the demonstrators "are not terrorists, they are not enemies of the state." But they could be Muslims! "What this is about—and let's be clear—is suppression of dissent."
While Zuccotti Park is required by law to be open 24 hours a day, the NYPD has shut it down several times, most recently this past weekend following the arrests of 73 people. A police spokesperson told the Times that the police presence at the park is "assessed daily," and an officer stationed at the park told a reporter that, “Right now, the only rule is you can’t stay overnight. No tents, and no tarps or sleeping bags.” But we've seen protesters removed from the park and arrested for less.
The WSJ reports that Councilmember Stephen Levine, along with Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, will ask Council Speaker Christine Quinn to conduct a hearing on the NYPD's methods, which allegedly included shattering a pane of glass with a protester's head and liberal use of batons.
Currently there is a rally at 1 Police Plaza demanding the resignation of Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. Check back later for our report.
Tagged
civil liberties
mayor bloomberg
nypd
occupy wall street
police state
protests
Ray Kelly
Zuccotti Park
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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