Protesters SUE NYPD – Hijab “ASSAULT” Alleged!

In a new legal standoff, two women arrested at the “Millions March for Palestine” are taking on the NYPD with allegations of physical assault, racial discrimination, and violations of their constitutional rights.

At a Glance

• Two women allege misconduct and racial discrimination by NYPD at the Millions March for Palestine.
• Allegations include physical assault, unlawful searches, and excessive restraint.
• A related event involved an inert grenade, leading to accusations against demonstrators.
• The women were cited with desk appearance tickets despite no charges filed.
• Concerns raised over NYPD’s handling of protests and potential security threats.

The Accusations

Following their arrest on March 2, 2024, at the Millions March for Palestine, two women have launched legal actions against the NYPD. They claim instances of physical assault, unwarranted searches, and being unnecessarily restrained. Accusations also include racial discrimination through verbal abuse during the arrests. With a finding of an inert grenade nearby, tensions escalated as police suggested demonstrators obstructed emergency responses.

Despite serious allegations, charges were not filed against the women, although they were issued desk appearance tickets. The situation underscores pressing questions about how law enforcement handles protests and security threats.

Pattern of Misconduct

These allegations are not isolated incidents. A report by the New York state Office of the Attorney General highlighted excessive force, kettling, and false arrests by the NYPD during protests. A recent settlement of over $13 million for abused protesters from the 2020 George Floyd protests illustrates systemic misconduct and the dire need for NYPD reform.

“The legal team tracked and studied scores of locations as part of litigation. The analysis revealed clear patterns of systemic police misconduct. Far from being a case of a few bad apples, the widespread nature of the misconduct, coupled with the lack of meaningful investigation or discipline, paints the picture of a police department in need of deep operational and cultural reform.” – Unknown.

The call for reforms comes amid continued protests and actions in New York City, where the legacy of overreach and discrimination in protest policing remains stark.

Constitutional Rights Under Siege

In addition to physical harm, the charges against the NYPD highlight potential suppression of constitutional rights. Alleging violations of First Amendment rights, individuals involved in previous protests underscore the persistent issue of racial and religious discrimination. Recent successful lawsuits and settlements have attempted to reaffirm protestors’ rights while addressing the troubling systemic issues.

“These incidents are not outliers. They reflect a disturbing and growing pattern of the NYPD using force and intimidation to suppress peaceful protest and the religious rights of Muslim women. The removal of a hijab is not just an act of aggression—it’s an assault on deeply held religious beliefs.” – Andrew Wilson.

The continuous cycle of lawsuits denotes a profound need for systemic change within the NYPD regarding protest policing. Until comprehensive reforms are installed, the public’s rights to freely express discontent through protest remain contentious. The recent accusations prompt further examination of police conduct, particularly concerning race and religion.