NYPD, Protesters Clash During MLK March, 29 Arrested: Reports

New York City NY

19 January, 2021

9:42 AM

Description

NEW YORK CITY — A march to honor Martin Luther King Jr. descended into violence as NYPD officers clashed with protesters near City Hall Park. Video from the MLK Day melee late Monday shows cops swarm, shove and block protesters. At least 29 protesters were arrested and 11 NYPD officers reportedly suffered injuries, NY1 reported. What triggered the clashes is unclear, but Twitter user Isabelle Leyva laid blame at the NYPD's feet. "This was a BLM protest for MLK Day," she wrote. "If that's not enough context for you then please stop asking and move along." NYPD attacking protesters at City Hall Park pic.twitter.com/BHtH76kyde— Isabelle Leyva (@isabelle_leyva) January 19, 2021 The clashes not only occurred on MLK Day — a holiday to honor the civil rights icon who famously espoused nonviolent protest — but followed a blistering statement last week by New York Attorney Letitia James. James sued the NYPD over officers' response to the George Floyd protests and asked for a federal monitor. She said a probe found cops' violent actions during the protests showed an egregious abuse of police power, rampant excessive use of force and leadership unwilling or unable to stop it. The MLK march started in Brooklyn near Barclays Center and moved over the Brooklyn Bridge. By the time demonstrators reached Manhattan, it appears the peaceful scene was replaced by chaos.