Thread by @ScottHech

BREAKING: Human Rights Watch (@hrw) out with horrifying investigation. The brutal NYPD attack on hundreds of protestors in early June in the Bronx wasn't just criminal & unconstitutional. It was *planned*. NYPD used the curfew to trap, assault, & arrest. hrw.org/news/2020/09/3…

"About 10 minutes before curfew scores of NYPD surrounded & trapped protesters–tactic called “kettling”–as they marched peacefully. W/o warning, they moved in, wielding batons, beating people from car tops, shoving, firing pepper spray into faces before arresting more than 250."

Human Rights Watch: “NYPD blocked people from leaving before the curfew & then used the curfew as an excuse to beat, abuse, and arrest people who were protesting peacefully. It was a planned operation with no justification that could cost New York taxpayers millions of dollars.”

A protester described how an officer punched him in the face while another twisted his finger & broke it. “Then another cop sprayed me in the face w/ mace. Then they dragged me on the ground & beat me w/ batons. Somewhere in the process of being cuffed, I had a knee on my neck.”

"Human Rights Watch documented at least 61 cases of protesters, legal observers, & bystanders who sustained injuries during the crackdown, including lacerations, broken nose, lost tooth, sprained shoulder, broken finger, black eyes, & potential nerve damage from tight zip ties."

Don’t look away. Just snippets of footage. Terrorism by police. The NYPD. Back on June 4. Executing a planned attack on the people they claim they are paid to protect.

THIS: At least 13 legal observers--clearly identifiable--were also detained, in some cases violently, before being released. Video footage captures an official from the NYPD’s Legal Bureau instructing other officers: “Legal Observers can be arrested.… They are good to go!”

A coordinated effort from the highest levels: "The NYPD’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, Chief of Department Terence Monahan was present during the action, along w/ at least 24 other uniformed supervisory officers–chiefs, lieutenants, captains, or inspectors in white shirts."

Commissioner Shea praised the operation the next day: “We had a plan executed nearly flawlessly in the Bronx.” Described protest as attempt by “outside agitators” to “cause mayhem. "HRW found the protest organized by local activists peaceful until police responded with violence."

Human Rights Watch: "The police conduct during the Mott Haven protest amounts to serious violations of international human rights law, and it also appears to violate civil rights protections of the US Constitution and the police department’s Patrol Guide."

In June alone, taxpayers paid NYPD officers *$115 million* in overtime. To assault, maim, choke, beat, & terrorize protestors. This report comes out on the last day this billboard will run in Times Square. Across from NYPD station. Need-to-talk.org

This research complements the research my colleagues & I did on the NYPD's violence against protestors, including the Bronx kettling attack. We concluded that the NYPD is unreformable. Published here: nbcnews.com/think/opinion/…

This is the NYPD’s response. Deny deny deny. Lie lie lie. Bc they know their invincible. But it’s all caught on video. Analyzed, including audio of supervising officers making the orders. Dozens of interviews with witnesses. And Shea even acknowledged the plan the following day.