I hope even Manhattan DA Cy Vance will agree that "megaphoning while Black" should not be considered a violent felony.
gothamist.com/news/protest-l…
gothamist.com/news/protest-l…
Update: this case was written up by the Manhattan DA’s office as a violent felony. Assault in the 2nd degree carries a penalty of up to 7 years in state prison. 
It’s my understanding that the case was reduced to a misdemeanor assault in the third degree, which carries a maximum sentence of one year jail. Though this is a reduction on the top charge, the stakes are still high and the prosecution demonstrates some important points.
First: these cases are routinely brought by the Manhattan DA’s office and people are frequently overcharged. In this one, the facts alleged don’t make out assault in the second degree.
Second: it takes tremendous public pressure to get Cy Vance to reduce these cases. And furthermore, by charging this young man at all, he is validating the horrific police behavior that took place.
Third: do you recall when this happened? When a man experiencing homelessness was brutalized on the subway? This man was initially charged with an assault on a police officer, as well. This is a pattern from Manhattan DA Cy Vance of enabling the NYPD.
When I’m Manhattan DA, the powerful and the privileged will know that they aren’t above the law. I will be both fearless and uncompromised in holding the police responsible for their actions.
We need your help to get there. Chip in here: secure.actblue.com/donate/elizafo…
We need your help to get there. Chip in here: secure.actblue.com/donate/elizafo…
