Anyone who knows me or looks at my Twitter feed can see that I am not one for sensational hyperbole. I measure my words.

Today the NYPD was absolutely out of control.

I experienced things that I can’t un-experience. I saw them charge a peaceful crowd that had their hands up..
… I saw a helicopter fly so low that people could not hear or think….for over an hour.

Then it got lower.

We had to close our eyes. We could see each other or walk. The intention was to drive us away and to intimidate us.
I saw a police force that forgot all the basic rules of crowd control and more importantly… showed utter contempt for the citizenry that it is charged with protecting.

I grew up black in New York— but I’ve lived a privaliged & blessed life. This brings me back home.
I’m sure that being in the police force is difficult, especially now.

But honestly, police forces have had years of practice after the 60s, 70’s, 80’s and 90s on basic best practices on how to engage with demonstrations on race.

I’m not sure they care.
You can follow @ShabazzStuart.
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