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NYC Crime

Noisy protesters calling for end of controversial NYPD unit

rejected from NYC Council hearing
By Rocco Parascandola
Police Bureau Chief • Mar 20, 2023 at 2:24 pm

About a dozen protesters, some making noise with squeeze toys, were ejected from a
New York City Council hearing Monday morning as they called for the end of a
controversial NYPD unit.

“Disband the SRG,” the protesters yelled, referring to the NYPD’s Strategic Response
Group, as security personnel quickly moved to escort them from the City Hall hearing.

The Strategic Response Group’s controversial tactics at the George Floyd protests have
cost taxpayers at upwards of $6 million in lawsuit settlements.

Monday’s protesters drew a sharp rebuke from Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-

“You will respect this body,” she said. “The use of squeaky toys — you will be removed.”

People attend a rally before a City Council oversight hearing at City Hall Monday. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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The outburst was preceded times by some of the same protesters flashing thumbs down
signs as police officials discussed various issues during its preliminary $5.44 billion
Movies
budget hearing. The hearing followed a no-show three weeks ago when NYPD brass New untitled Jordan Peele
skipped a hearing called specifically to discuss the SRG. film set for Christmas 2024
release
23m
Police instead sent a statement saying a court-issued “gag order” was in place because
the city was still dealing with multiple lawsuits in which the SRG was accused of
Snyde
wrongdoing. Various City Council members, however, said the department was out of Amanda Bynes on
line by not appearing and threatened to cut police funding .
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At Monday’s hearing, Chief Wilson Aramboles explained the role of the SRG, but a 43m
department lawyer, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Carrie Talansky, said questions
about specific allegations still could not be addressed.

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, meanwhile, said “it was never the intention of
this police department to disrespect” the council by not appearing at the earlier SRG
hearing.

NYPD officers arrest protesters for breaking the citywide 8 p.m. curfew on June 4, 2020, in the Bronx. (David Dee
Delgado/Getty Images)

That earlier hearing came on the same day it was revealed the city had agreed to pay at
least $21,500 a piece to more than 300 people who on June 4, 2020, protested in Mott
Haven against police brutality and systemic racism.

Footage of the chaotic event shows police employing a controversial tactic known as
“kettling” to barricade protesters on E. 136th St., refusing to let them disperse, hitting
them with batons while their hands were in zip ties, and pepper-spraying their bloodied
faces.

More than 300 people were arrested. The NYPD has said they believed there were
credible threats targeting police officers with violence.

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