An anti-Trump demonstration in New York City ended in multiple arrests.
On Sunday (Nov. 1), protesters showed up to Madison Square Park to confront pro-Trump caravans that were expected to drive through Manhattan, but when they didn’t show up, they walked away and were eventually met with police. Per PIX 11, officers armed with batons and dressed in riot gear reportedly tried to disperse the crowd, ultimately leading to violent clashes and the arrests of 11 protesters including Hawk Newsome — the co-founder of Black Lives Matter New York Chapter.
Photographer Chae Kihn — who often covers BLM protests — was also taken into police custody alongside another person in media. The NYPD, however, issued a statement, maintaining they didn’t arrest any photojournalists or NYPD-credentialed members of the press.
“This has to stop. They are targeting photographers. It could be anyone next,” Kihn said. “I don’t have an NYPD [credential], but I have other news accreditations and have been working as a photographer for over 20 years.
“Just because I don’t have an NYPD badge doesn’t make me less of a journalist,” she added. “Why do the police get to decide who is a journalist and who isn’t?”
The demonstrators were charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, disorderly conduct and pedestrian on the roadway.
Five protesters were issued summonses and released, and four of them were freed after they were issued desk appearance tickets.
The NYPD is reportedly preparing for mass demonstrations following the election.
“Are we [a] deterrent?” Deputy Chief John J. D’Adamo, head of the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, told the New York Post. “I’d like to think so. I hope they saw we meant business. We are all about de-escalation.”
Businesses fearful of destruction have already boarded up their walls in preparation of any violence after the election.