The New York City Police Department released bodycam footage to defend officers after an anti-Israel activist, Nerdeen Kiswani, claimed she was “brutalized” and her hijab was ripped off during her arrest. The video showed an officer gently attempting to help Kiswani with her hijab, contradicting her claims. Kiswani took to X to accuse the NYPD of violence against her during a protest against the genocide in Gaza. She posted a video showing what she claimed was her chaotic arrest, along with photos of alleged wounds she suffered at the hands of officers. Kiswani called on others to stand with her and protest against the police.
Other X users came to the defense of the NYPD, stating that Kiswani has a history of making false accusations. Some users refuted her claims and pointed out that the bodycam footage showed the officers acting professionally and with respect. StopAntisemitism labeled Kiswani as a leading antisemite and accused her of being a “sickening liar.” Despite the video evidence, Kiswani maintained that the footage does not depict her actual arrest, which she claimed was violent and humiliating. She stated that she was cuffed, yanked off the ground, and not allowed to fix her hijab before being forced up by multiple male officers.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) identified Kiswani as the leader of Within Our Lifetime-United for Palestine (WOL), a radical New York-based group that advocates for violence against Israel. Kiswani and WOL have organized rallies and protests against Israel, particularly in response to bombings in Gaza after Hamas attacks. Kiswani’s activism and anti-Israel sentiments have led to numerous run-ins with law enforcement, including the recent incident where she claimed police brutality during her arrest. Despite the controversy surrounding her actions, Kiswani continues to be vocal in her activism and calls for others to join her in protesting against perceived injustices.
The release of the bodycam footage by the NYPD helped to shed light on the incident involving Kiswani and the officers. While she accused the police of violence and mistreatment, the video showed a different narrative, with an officer seen trying to assist Kiswani with her hijab. This prompted backlash from other X users who supported the NYPD and criticized Kiswani for her actions. The conflicting narratives surrounding the incident highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with protests and activism, as well as the importance of transparency through tools like body cameras to provide accurate accounts of events.
Despite the differing perspectives on the incident, the controversy surrounding Kiswani’s arrest has reignited debates about police conduct and activism. While Kiswani continues to claim mistreatment at the hands of law enforcement, others question the validity of her accusations based on the bodycam footage released by the NYPD. The incident underscores the complexity of dealing with protests and demonstrations, as well as the challenges faced by both activists and law enforcement in navigating contentious issues. Moving forward, transparency and accountability will be key in addressing such incidents and ensuring that all parties are held accountable for their actions.
