A group of anti-police City Council members who have been vocal critics of the NYPD have suddenly changed their tune after receiving death threats and are now requesting protection from the law enforcement agency they have been condemning. Staffers for these council members have expressed concerns about threats they have received and have reached out to the NYPD for assistance. Despite their previous criticism of the police, they are now relying on them for protection.
The two council members, Councilman Chi Osse and Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, along with Yusef Salaam and Carlina Rivera, have been strong critics of the NYPD and have pushed for legislation that increases bureaucratic requirements for police officers. These council members have faced backlash from law enforcement for their actions, with some officers questioning their hypocrisy in seeking police protection after their vocal criticism of law enforcement.
Salaam made headlines in January when he publicly criticized a police officer for pulling him over during a routine traffic stop, adding to the tension between the council members and law enforcement. Rivera’s staff also faced controversy when they demanded the removal of a US flag from a firehouse, calling it “fascist” and “politically charged.” These actions have led to further strain between the council members and first responders.
The council members have also drawn criticism for their support of pro-Palestinian protests that have caused disruptions in New York City and college campuses in the state. These demonstrations were in response to Israel’s retaliation to an attack by Hamas terrorists. Osse and Hanif have both publicly supported the pro-Palestinian cause, with Hanif blaming anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic sentiments for the violence that has occurred during these protests.
Recently, the NYPD responded to a 911 call from Rivera’s office after a staffer received a threatening letter with white powder in the mail. Although the powder was determined to be non-hazardous, the incident caused fear among Rivera’s staff. Law enforcement sources have reported that other council members also received threats, prompting security assessments by the NYPD. Rivera and Hanif have visited local precincts to address these concerns and seek protection for their staff.
The sudden shift by the anti-police City Council members in seeking protection from the NYPD after receiving death threats has sparked criticism and accusations of hypocrisy from law enforcement officers. The tensions between these council members and police have escalated due to the council members’ vocal criticism of law enforcement and their support for controversial causes such as pro-Palestinian protests. The situation underscores the complexities of the relationship between politicians and law enforcement and highlights the challenges of navigating this dynamic in a polarized political climate.
