In a bold move echoing across the political landscape, more than three dozen local elected officials are urging Mayor Adams to take decisive action against NYPD Chief John Chell for what they deem as "illegal" and "dangerous" social media behavior. Exclusively obtained by the Daily News, a Friday letter signed by 39 Democratic leaders, spearheaded by City Comptroller Brad Lander, demands disciplinary measures against Chell for his alleged misuse of social media to launch politically charged attacks against lawmakers and journalists.
The group, which boasts prominent figures including Queens-Bronx Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Westchester County-Bronx Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, alongside 17 City Council members and 17 state lawmakers, contends that Chell's online conduct violates city conflict of interest laws prohibiting the use of government resources, including social media platforms, for political purposes.
Their ire is directed particularly at a now-deleted post from Chell, where he purportedly accused Queens Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán of "hating our city" and urged his followers to take action against her policies. The officials argue that such "bombastic and bullying rhetoric" not only contravenes democratic principles but also poses a tangible threat to Cabán's safety and that of her staff.
But Cabán isn't the lone victim, the officials allege. They highlight a broader pattern of bullying behavior by Chell, citing attacks on journalists Harry Siegel, Errol Louis, and Graham Rayman. Chell's use of his official NYPD account to disparage reporters and elected officials, they argue, demonstrates a disdain for democratic norms.
In a stern admonition to Mayor Adams, the group concludes their missive with a clear message: Chell must face disciplinary action, and the NYPD must be unequivocally instructed that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future.
As the day progressed, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joined the chorus demanding consequences for Chief Chell's actions, revealing that she had formally called for the Department of Investigation to launch a probe into what she termed "unethical and unprofessional" social media conduct by Chell and other high-ranking NYPD officials. "This recent behavior erodes public trust in the department precisely when public safety necessitates stronger confidence and sends a detrimental message to our city's officers simply seeking to fulfill their duties," remarked the speaker.
Despite repeated attempts for comment, a Department of Investigation spokeswoman remained silent on the matter. Adams' spokeswoman, Kayla Mamelak, declined to comment on allegations of Chell's legal transgressions or speculate on the mayor's potential response. However, Mamelak pointed out that many signatories of the letter advocating for Chell's discipline have recently emphasized the importance of free speech on social media. "We urge these elected leaders to embody their advocacy for free speech, even in circumstances where it may not align with their political interests," Mamelak asserted.
The NYPD chose not to provide a statement when contacted for comment on the situation. While the elected officials' letter didn't outline specific disciplinary measures for Chell, Councilwoman Cabán didn't shy away from offering her opinion, suggesting that Chell should be terminated immediately.
The coalition behind Friday's letter encompasses a diverse range of political ideologies, including left-wing figures like Cabán, as well as more centrist Democrats such as Brooklyn state Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblyman Robert Carroll. "We are all united in the fundamental democratic principle that law enforcement officials are accountable to democratically elected representatives and must refrain from engaging in intimidating, coercive, or threatening behavior," they emphasized.
Although directed at the mayor, the letter was also sent to NYPD Commissioner Ed Caban, Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix, and the city Conflicts of Interest Board, which oversees local ethics regulations. Councilwoman Cabán, known for her democratic socialist stance, has previously found herself targeted by Chell's online tirades. In March, he utilized his official account to criticize her policies, urging followers to "vote for the change they seek." Chell's most recent accusation against Cabán, alleging she "hates our city," was deleted on Thursday morning, as initially reported by The News.
Following the uproar, the NYPD press office later clarified that an aide to Chell had mistakenly removed the contentious post, which was subsequently reposted by Chell himself late Thursday night. However, this time, Chell prefaced the message with an acknowledgment of the mishap, stating, "Like I said it was an accident….I’m back!!!!
The clamor for disciplinary action against Chell arises amidst a broader campaign by him and other high-ranking NYPD figures, including Deputy Commissioner for Operations Kaz Daughtry and Deputy Commissioner for Public Information Tarik Sheppard, aimed at bolstering their public image and countering criticism directed at both the Police Department and the mayor.
Notably, when Chell and his counterparts have faced scrutiny for their online conduct in the past, Mayor Adams has been quick to come to their defense. This pattern persisted as recently as this past Tuesday, when the mayor was questioned about Chell's comments urging Columbia and City College to expel students involved in protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. "Chief Chell is a professional," Mayor Adams asserted in his response.
In conclusion, the ongoing saga surrounding NYPD Chief John Chell's social media activity underscores the complexities of balancing free speech rights with the responsibilities of public officials. As calls for accountability grow louder, Mayor Adams finds himself at the center of a contentious debate over where to draw the line between individual expression and the expectations of public office. As the city awaits further developments, the outcome of this controversy could have far-reaching implications for both the NYPD's public image and the broader discourse surrounding online conduct in the digital age.
