The Trump administration has urged the NYPD to take stronger action against what it describes as an “organized and illegal harassment campaign” targeting staff at the US mission to the United Nations.
According to a letter addressed to a deputy inspector in Manhattan, demonstrators regularly confront USUN employees as they arrive and depart, employing aggressive tactics and name-calling, including terms like “fascists,” “baby killers,” and “Nazis.”
Goldstein, representing the mission, emphasized the need for immediate measures from the NYPD to counter these harassment incidents, which he argued pose threats to officers and employees. He indicated that without swift action, federal law enforcement might need to be involved to uphold the law and ensure the safety of personnel.
While Goldstein didn’t specify the exact issues behind the protests, recent months have seen a surge in anti-Israel demonstrations in the vicinity of the UN, particularly surrounding major events such as speeches by leaders like President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He noted examples of protests possibly lacking proper permits and highlighted instances where demonstrators may have breached other laws.
Specific incidents on September 18th involved protesters chasing staff members while shouting and making noise, creating a chaotic scene. Some employees mentioned that demonstrators have even filmed them and yelled their names as they entered and exited their workplace.
Goldstein stated these behaviors break laws and pose clear security threats, adding that some protesters had vandalized US government property, including painting mission bollards and throwing cow blood at the windows.
He insisted that protests blocking roads and crosswalks should not be accepted and voiced concerns that recent arrests of agitators have not been adequate.
The NYPD has yet to respond to requests for comment.
