The Occupation at New York City Hall Has One Demand: Cut the NYPD Budget
Seeking to maintain the momentum of the George Floyd protests, activists have launched an occupation outside City Hall in New York to demand a $1 billion cut in the NYPD budget. So far, there’s little sign that the city council or Mayor Bill de Blasio are prepared to give in.
New York City police officers are seen across from City Hall. Demonstrations continue with protests and demands for lawmakers to cut the NYPD budget. Jeenah Moon / Getty
“At 5:10, there will be a teach-in on rent strikes and tenant organizing at the library tent,” announces an occupier to the crowd of people talking, playing chess, reading books, and grabbing Gatorades and early dinner in the middle of the occupation outside City Hall. It’s Sunday evening, June 28, and we’re in lower Manhattan — the City Hall subway station in the middle of the encampment is closed, the entrance draped in “Abolish the Police” banners, DEFUND NYPD graffiti chalked onto the gate.
The occupier announcing the teach-in walks further through the encampment, toward a couple playing guitar and violin next to a chalked memorial of people killed by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Akai Gurley, his likeness sketched wearing a baseball cap, is beside Eric Garner. Shantel Davis is below Garner, and Ramarley Graham is beside Davis. “Rest in Power NYC,” reads the sidewalk memorial. A bouquet of white roses rests on the ground next to the memorial; a few prayer candles sit among the portraits.
Alex Press
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