New Tensions in NYC Over Protest Policing
A fresh attempt to curb the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group (SRG) from policing protests has ignited a potential clash between progressive members of Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s administration and more centrist councilors, including City Council Speaker Julie Menin, according to reports.
Councilman Kai Osse (D-Brooklyn), known for his progressive stance, is considering reintroducing a bill he initially pulled back after a recent incident at Gracie Mansion. This bill aims to prohibit SRG officers from overseeing protests, parades, and other events related to free speech, as confirmed by various officials.
This legislation would align with the views of Osse’s fellow progressives and the mayor, who has called for the complete disbandment of the SRG unit. However, some moderate council members remain opposed, insiders noted.
Menin, who previously rejected the bill last year, has the power to prevent it from being debated in the council, a move that would likely be welcomed by police unions.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, argued against the bill: “This should not even be an option. Limiting the NYPD’s capability to deploy officers properly in high-stress situations unnecessarily risks safety,” he expressed.
He also referenced concerns about escalating risks after a recent failed bombing attempt outside the mayor’s residence, where anti-Muslim and counter-protesters clashed. “The dangers we highlighted last weekend are evident,” Hendry remarked.
Scott Munro from the Criminal Fund Association criticized the police for complicating officers’ duties and urged lawmakers to step back, stating, “We’re not interested in politics here. Our priority is saving lives and protecting our officers.”
The SRG has faced criticism from progressives who contend that it often employs aggressive tactics that infringe upon the rights of protesters. Conversely, defenders, including NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, argue the unit is crucial for maintaining order during potentially chaotic demonstrations.
During his campaign a year ago, Mamdani consistently pushed for the removal of SRG members trained in counter-terrorism and crowd control, asserting they are unwelcome at First Amendment-protected gatherings.
Despite the recent attempted bombing, Mamdani maintains his position. The SRG has been nearby on several occasions, providing support during protests organized by groups with opposing views.
In a separate incident, two Pennsylvania teens pledging allegiance to ISIS were arrested after allegedly tossing homemade bombs into a crowd. Although the devices did not detonate, officials indicated that, had they exploded, the outcome could have been devastating.
Both suspects, aged 19 and 18, are now in federal custody. Following the terrorist plot, Osse withdrew the anti-SRG legislation, indicating that pushing it forward too soon might be politically unwise. Nevertheless, he later communicated his intention to bring it back within weeks, anticipating that support would grow once the immediate aftermath of the Gracie incident subsides.
Clarifying his stance, Osse has yet to respond regarding the withdrawal or possible changes to the proposed bill. The original version, submitted in January 2025, sought to address some of the NYPD’s more controversial crowd control practices. Although it gained support from 23 co-sponsors, primarily progressives, it never underwent a committee hearing.
The proposal looked to not only restrict SRG deployments but also ban strategies like “kettling,” prohibit tear gas and pepper spray usage, and stop police from employing bicycles to manage crowds. It also aimed to regulate the high-volume sound devices utilized to disperse gatherings and mandated the public reporting of arrests and use-of-force incidents during protests.
While supporters viewed it as a necessary way to curb police overreach and safeguard free speech, critics, including police unions, contended that it would hinder officers’ ability to manage unrest. Osse positioned the bill as a critical response to documented police misconduct during protests, insisting that law enforcement would still retain the authority to confront those breaking the law.
Notably, tensions flared between Osse and Mamdani over accusations of deceit in the recent primary election, a development that both officials actively opposed.
The NYPD has not provided commentary regarding these developments.
