Attorney General James' Statement on NYPD Interactions with Protesters

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement in response to interactions between the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and peaceful protesters marching in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday last night:

“Once again, we are seeing and hearing accounts of NYPD officers infringing on the rights of New Yorkers. The images of officers using excessive force against peaceful protesters is alarming and cause for deep concern. Less than a week after I filed a lawsuit against the NYPD over these very exact issues, we saw officers exhibit the same behavior. As we laid out in our lawsuit, this is a longstanding pattern that must stop. These New Yorkers were marching in the spirit of Dr. King, who taught us that peaceful protest is the most powerful force in the fight for freedom, equality, and justice for all. I will continue to fight to protect these most basic rights.”

Last week, Attorney General James filed a lawsuit against the NYPD and its leadership to end its pattern of using excessive force and making false arrests against New Yorkers during peaceful protests.