An Adams administration official accused of tearing down posters of Israeli hostages and assaulting an enraged witness has been “suspended indefinitely without pay,” it has been revealed.
Nara Sutherland, special events coordinator for special projects and community events in the mayor's office, ripped the poster from a utility pole on the Upper East Side earlier this month, shredded it and threw it in the trash, according to a video posted online. I was seen throwing it away. By the social media platform New York Jews and the nonprofit organization Stop Anti-Semetism.
But Sutherland, 25, received only a slap on the wrist from her boss at City Hall, required her to undergo “multicultural training” and added a disciplinary note to her permanent work file, the post said. The paper exclusively reported on Saturday.
This light punishment drew condemnation from Bronx Councilman Riches Torres and Jewish activists.
However, City Hall officials told the Post on Monday that Mayor Eric Adams was not personally briefed on the light punishment given to Sutherland, who is said to be a junior employee, and was not involved.
The mayor also weighed in, and outraged critics called for more serious action to be taken against this reprehensible act by an official tasked with promoting “unity” and bridging “cultural divides.” Agreed.
A City Hall spokesperson said: “The employee has been suspended indefinitely without pay pending further investigation.”
The footage of the Nov. 2 incident, which took place at the corner of York Street and East 84th Street, begins with Sutherland allegedly tearing down the poster and throwing it in the trash.
“Is there any reason to remove them?” as part of a public art campaign to raise awareness of the Israeli and American hostages captured by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on the Jewish state. , asked witnesses about the poster.
“Those were hostages. They were taken by terrorists,” the witness added, according to 20 seconds of footage he recorded.
Ms Sutherland then allegedly walked towards the man and swiped her phone with her right hand, momentarily taking it out of focus.
“That's just assault. You know that, right? The video shows the man responding to Ms. Sutherland and Ms. Sutherland walking away grinning.
Mr. Sutherland began working for Mr. Adams, an ardent supporter of Israel, in 2023.
Records show she earns $61,135 a year helping organize celebrations honoring the diverse city's many ethnicities, which she hosts at Gracie Mansion and other locations.
