BLM Leader Turns Himself In Amid Assault Allegations

The head of the Black Lives Matter chapter in New York City, Hawk Newsome, voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Monday. This comes after accusations surfaced regarding his involvement in an assault on a Black man during a political rally last week, where he was discussing the “black face of systemic oppression” and drawing comparisons to Martin Luther King Jr.

Newsome was located in Harlem just before he turned himself in to the police. According to reports, he allegedly struck William Allen, who leads the Manhattan Democratic Party, during a turbulent protest that took place on Friday afternoon.

While at the police station, Newsome gathered with supporters and argued against the charges, likening his situation to historical civil rights struggles. He took issue with the allegations, stating that “this guy says I hit him, but there is no video to prove it.” He noted that despite the presence of numerous cameras, no footage exists to validate the claims. “The only thing that was hurt was his pride,” he added.

During the protest, where several activists rallied at City Councilman Yousef Salaam’s Harlem office to oppose budget cuts to community initiatives, Newsome emphasized the broader battle against systemic racism. “I want you to recognize that this is a step in the right direction. We are not only fighting racism, but also the black face of systemic oppression,” he declared.

Newsome’s allies voiced concerns over the charges, labeling them as “trumped up” and politically motivated. Tiffany Fulton, the executive director of Silent Voices United, expressed frustration over what she considered political manipulation, highlighting that those who challenge power often face dire consequences. “It is heartbreaking to see this type of political weaponization in Harlem,” she stated.