NYPD Gears Up for New Year’s Eve Amidst Anticipated 'Disruptions,' Mayor Adams Highlights Challenges in Policing Large-Scale Protests
New York City's Police Department is on high alert as it anticipates potential 'disruptions' during next week's New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, according to Mayor Adams. The mayor expressed concerns over recent restrictions on police response to large-scale protests, deeming them 'very troubling.' While not citing any specific threats related to the annual festivities, Adams referenced recent attempts by pro-Palestine protesters to interrupt events in the city, such as last month's Christmas tree-lighting at Rockefeller Center, where clashes with law enforcement occurred.
Adams emphasized the added concern due to these protests, stating, 'There’s an added concern because of some of the protests you have been seeing, and there was an attempt to disrupt the tree-lighting, and we’re sure that there’s going to be some type of attempt this year to use that stage for some other concerns that people are having.' He assured the public that the NYPD, having successfully managed disruptions during the tree-lighting event, is prepared to handle potential challenges during the New Year's Eve celebrations.
Reflecting on last year's New Year's Eve, Adams acknowledged the previous incident where a teenager from Maine attacked two police officers near Times Square with a machete. Despite both officers surviving, the perpetrator faces terrorism charges, citing 'jihad' against the U.S. government as his motive. When questioned about the possibility of lone wolf threats similar to last year, Adams noted the challenges in predicting such incidents, emphasizing the need for preparedness.
The upcoming celebration marks the first Times Square New Year's Eve since the NYPD entered into a court settlement this fall. The settlement, arising from a lawsuit filed by Black Lives Matter protesters, mandates a reduction in the deployment of officers to most public protests and prohibits the use of 'kettling,' a controversial tactic involving trapping and arresting large groups of demonstrators. The settlement addresses alleged First Amendment rights violations during protests in the summer of 2020.
Mayor Adams, a previous supporter of the court settlement reached in September, expressed new concerns during Tuesday's briefing regarding the impact of protest restrictions. Citing recent pro-Palestine protests in the city, he voiced unease about the direction these restrictions are taking, stating, 'I thought it put us on a very troubling direction, and now you’re seeing it: You see 1,000 people go to Grand Central station, decided they want to just close down Grand Central station or they want to sit in the street in front of Times Square.'
Asserting his stance on the matter, Adams declared, 'I don’t believe that people should be able to just take over our streets and march in our streets. I don’t believe people should be able to take over our bridges. I just don’t believe you can run a city this complex where people can just do whatever they want.'
Lisa Zornberg, Adams' chief counsel present at the briefing, clarified that the settlement incorporates 'a tiered system for responding to protests' and that its implementation depends on the circumstances. She emphasized that the settlement does not permit protesters to block access to critical infrastructure. This clarification aims to address concerns about potential misuse or misinterpretation of the settlement's terms, underscoring the importance of a nuanced and context-dependent approach to managing public demonstrations.
In conclusion, Mayor Adams' evolving stance on the court settlement reached in September raises significant questions about the balance between protecting public order and respecting the right to protest. While initially supporting the settlement, he now expresses reservations, citing recent pro-Palestine protests as examples of potential abuse of the city's public spaces. Adams emphasizes his belief that the city cannot function if individuals can freely take over streets, bridges, or other critical infrastructure.
The presence of Lisa Zornberg, Adams' chief counsel, at the briefing adds nuance to the discussion. Zornberg clarifies that the settlement includes a tiered system for responding to protests, and its application is contingent on specific circumstances. Importantly, she asserts that the settlement does not permit protesters to block access to critical infrastructure, aiming to alleviate concerns about potential disruptions.
As New York City prepares for the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration and faces the challenges posed by the court settlement, the ongoing debate over the balance between free expression and maintaining public order will likely persist. The city's ability to navigate these complexities will play a crucial role in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment during public events and demonstrations.