I spent the last 2 years working in the @NYCMayorsOffice. Last night I was arrested by NYPD for violating @NYCMayor's curfew while participating in a peaceful protest, and then questioned by the FBI. Story about what happened and what I saw in the thread below.
I was part of a group of hundreds marching through Downtown Brooklyn and Boerum Hill. We were chanting and cheering, with vocal support from apartment windows, brownstones, fire escapes, stoops and sidewalks.
We had a police tail, but they were keeping a distance, similar to what I've seen each night since the curfew was imposed. (nyer.cm/3i5peAa)
All was fine until a crowd of police officers in full riot gear converged upon Smith and Atlantic just before 9:30. I happened to be turning the corner on the outer edge of the crowd when they advanced.
It happened fast - no warning, no instructions to disperse, but suddenly my hands were behind my back, my bike was gone, and beside me my sister had a baton to her neck.
Thankfully the police did not advance into the crowd inflicting violence on protestors with nowhere to run - as they have so many times over the past few days. nytimes.com/2020/06/05/nyr…
With my hands cuffed behind my back I was told I was getting taken in to the station for ""violating the @NYCMayor’s curfew.”" #NYCCurfew
I was shoved into a van with the only other person arrested in this particular encounter - a young guy who had not been marching with us, but happened to be in the intersection at that moment on his way home from work on an e-bike.
I am a white woman with no prior police contact. I was sent home with just a few minor bruises and a summons. I was not subjected to the violence that so many others - particularly those who are not white - have experienced at the hands of law enforcement. joincampaignzero.org/problem
However what I saw during my two hours at the 78th was disturbing. Among other things:
1. Federal officers (who did not identify themselves) took me into a room to question me about "what's going on in the protests." I declined to speak but I understand that I likely would have been asked about my political views and Antifa. theintercept.com/2020/06/04/fbi…
2. Both of the other people detained at the same time claimed to be bystanders not involved in the protests. One had been violently assaulted during his arrest and was clearly in pain. Both were also questioned by the feds.
3. PD kept referring to it as "the Mayor's curfew." They very clearly named @NYCMayor as the sole responsible party for any actions carried out under the #NYCCurfew.
4. No one at the precinct seemed to have any idea what was going on. The arresting officers appeared to be rookies just learning the job (senior officers were walking them through procedures). I was told I was being recorded. I was not read my rights.
So what now? I stand in solidarity with hundreds of my former City colleagues (lettertothemayor.nyc), with those who’ve been fighting the fight for years (@BKMovement) and with all calling for dramatic and tangible change. Specifically to:
1. Reduce the #NYPD operating budget by $1 billion in Fiscal Year 2021, and reallocate that money to essential social services, including housing support and rental relief, food assistance, and health care, in alignment with the demands of the #NYCBudgetJustice campaign.
2. Immediately fire all NYPD officers found to have used excessive force—or to have covered their badges—at protests. 
3. Release the names and official disciplinary records of all NYPD personnel who have been accused of using excessive force, covering their badge numbers, or other misconduct. cdn.cms.prod.nypr.digital/images/2020053…
4. Appoint an independent commission, in the vein of the Knapp and Mollen Commissions, composed of civil rights attorneys, journalists, and activists, including abolitionist organizers, to investigate the response of the Mayor’s Office and the NYPD to these recent protests.
I also join with others to demand that @NYCMayor end this selectively-enforced curfew - being used as cover by the NYPD to quiet the voices of those protesting their brutality and demanding better.
Finally, I pledge to join with others to march tonight, tomorrow and as long as need be. I pledge to continue to educate myself to be antiracist. And I pledge to donate funds to support those who lead this work. #blacklivesmatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor
