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We are the 99 percent

#OWS Calls for NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly To Resign

Posted 12 years ago on March 20, 2012, 9:08 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

commissioner kelly with top NYPD brass

Yesterday, members of the New York City Council decried the NYPD´s behavior on the March 17th re-eviction of Liberty Square. Today, Occupy Wall Street will call for the resignation of NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly for authorizing brutality and extreme abuse of police power. At 11am ET, we will march from Foley Square to a 12 noon press conference at 1 Police Plaza. Speakers will include victims of NYPD´s racist ¨Stop and Frisk¨ policies and targeted harassment of the Muslim community, as well as survivors of NYPD violence both within and outside Occupy Wall Street. We will also hear from family members of innocent people shot dead by NYPD in Queens.

occupy for freedom

Kelly´s criminal actions extend far beyond waging a war on dissidents. He was also Commissioner during the infamous Sean Bell case, in which three men of color were shot a total of fifty times by plainclothes and undercover NYPD officers. Under Kelly´s watch, Sean Bell´s killers were never punished. Also under Kelly´s leadership, NYPD has consistently targeted marginalized communities. Just a few months ago, a transgender woman was arrested for a minor subway violation and relentlessly harassed by transphobic and homophobic NYPD officers — who kept her chained to a fence for 28 hours. She is but one of many survivors of outrageous discrimination and violence perpetrated by NYPD under Kelly´s command.

We say, no more! We will not tolerate this abuse, nor wait for another senseless death or hate crime. In solidarity with all communities targeted by NYPD´s violent tactics of repression, we demand Commissioner Kelly step down immediately.

NYPD during the violent attack on Liberty Square, 3/17

NYCGA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: press@occupywallst.org, 347-292-1444

OWS Members in Solidarity with Brutalized Communities; Demand Comm. Kelly’s Resignation

New York–Around 11:30pm, Saturday March 17th, over one hundred NYPD officers stormed into Liberty Square and began to brutally arrest people peacefully using the park resulting in over 90 arrests, five hospitalizations, several broken bones, and one woman who was denied access to emergency medical care after suffering a seizure. Today, Occupy Wall Street will march, rally and speak out against the violent suppression of Occupy by the Bloomberg Administration and NYPD; stand in solidarity with communities routinely brutalized by police; and demand the resignation of Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

WHAT: Rally/Press Conference with OWS
WHEN: Tuesday, March 20, 12pm
WHERE: One Police Plaza, New York City
WHO: Speakers to include members of OWS who were brutalized, as well as relatives and those who have been beaten, murdered and racially profiled by NYPD.

In the wake of Saturday’s abuse of power and damage to cherished Constitutional rights, Occupy Wall Street members demand accountability:

  • The immediate dismissal/resignation of Police Commissioner Kelley
  • Drop all charges from Occupy related arrests
  • Respect the long-established right to use and freely access Liberty Square 24/7

The NYPD has a long history of abuse and repression. Just since January they have practiced: a campaign of surveillance, entrapment, and violence against the New York Muslim and Muslim-American communities; a campaign of terror against communities of color, most recently the brutal beating of Jatiek Reed and the senseless murder of Rahmarley Graham in the Bronx; sustained the criminal and dehumanizing tactic of “stop and frisk” in a campaign of racial profiling that serves no law enforcement purpose; and systematically oppressed protestors peaceably assembling in public spaces.

These acts of violence and trampling of our civil rights illustrate the very nature of oppression by the banks, by our government and by Bloomberg’s “private army.” The aggressive and brutal suppression of activists and Occupy Wall Street is a clear indictment of the true purpose of the NYPD–to protect money and power, the 1%.

OWS and community allies are organizing a “Let Freedom Spring” march, in response to the NYPD attacks, on Saturday, March 24, starting at 12pm in Liberty Square (formerly Zuccotti Park) and ending at Union Square.

Occupy Wall Street is part of an international people powered movement fighting for economic justice in the face of neoliberal economic practices, the crimes of Wall Street, and a government controlled by monied interests. #OWS is the 99% organizing to end the tyranny of the 1%. For more info www.occupywallst.org and www.nycga.net

nypd illegally closing Liberty Square 3/17

43 Comments

43 Comments


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[-] 13 points by MrRay (17) 12 years ago

My wife and I have felt the batons of the NYPD. Love and solidarity from Occupy New Haven.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

Thank you for your work, it is the most important of all.

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[+] -6 points by Dell (-168) 12 years ago

hahaha! what kind of man brings his wife to an occupation to let her be beaten by the police lol! Are you kidding? ! She'll be leaving you before the year is out mark my words lol! What's this world coming to lol!

[-] 5 points by Quark2 (109) 12 years ago

Women have just as much at stake as men. I say we bring babies, children, puppies, women, men, and even obvious trolls like you. Expose the police state as easily as possible, so loser brains like you even get the point.

[-] -3 points by Dell (-168) 12 years ago

nice way to take care of your family. Geez I was lucky growing up.

[-] 4 points by Quark2 (109) 12 years ago

Nice way to hide behind YOUR sexism. You do realize women fight in the military for YOU! They are also police officers protecting the little man that is YOU! Your double standard is hanging out and is not working for your sensational argument. Go bait someone else.

[+] -6 points by Dell (-168) 12 years ago

what can I say - I am proud to be old school. And your woman will leave you for an old school guy by year end. mark my words.

[-] 5 points by francismjenkins (3713) 12 years ago

Appealing to sexual jealously, how evolutionary of you :)

[-] 2 points by JohnWa (513) 12 years ago

Not all could see that but that may not stop them exhibiting it to others. Individuals male or female or whatever are individuals. Some just don't get it.

[-] 2 points by JohnWa (513) 12 years ago

Good luck with your growing up

[-] 3 points by JohnWa (513) 12 years ago

Perhaps you are not affected by what is happening to society at the inhumane hands of the psychopathic 1% who direct the beatings.

Perhaps you are just not able to see.. Criticism of someone who is trying to bring protest just helps those willfully creating the problem. the 1% parasites.

What kind of man indeed........

[-] 1 points by PopsMauler (182) from Chicago, IL 12 years ago

Wow, and I suppose you would have us head back to the times when women weren't allowed to leave the home and were completely subservient to their husbands in all matters?

This is their fight just as much as anyone's. How about you go ** yourself?

[-] 1 points by gestopomillyy (1695) 12 years ago

well of course.. if you own your wife and dictate where she goes .. or if she is a prima donna that takes no responsibility for her own decisions.. that could be true. but then she isnt actually a woman is she?

[-] 7 points by shoozTroll (17632) 12 years ago

Considering the conduct of his "officers", this needs to happen quickly.

The use of excessive force by at least some officers should be addressed and dealt with too.

[-] 6 points by nomdeguerre (1775) from Brooklyn, NY 12 years ago

The conduct by his officers is not accidental, he has set free the worst element, sadistic bullies.

Obviously, the elite (that Ray thinks he's one of them is delusional) have turned their backs on democracy and the wishes/welfare of the majority. They therefore need to convert the police from a force loyal to the citizens to a force that sees itself as prison guards relying on pain compliance.

To do this he has set free the individual cops' worst tendencies and he attempts to besmear victims of police misconduct/brutality rather than reign in police excesses. Psychopathic cops can read this loud and clear, thus there are now more rape charges against cops than I can ever recall.

It's time for Ray to go. Fire him Bloomberg (if you actually have enough power, ha, ha).

I'm afraid Deng Tsiao Bloomberg will end up regretting his third term. On the wrong side of history, his reputation will be devastated.

Mike, young people with no future and facing being kicked out of the middle class have already shown they have no fear of being arrested. This has just started.

[-] 2 points by nomdeguerre (1775) from Brooklyn, NY 12 years ago

Something to add: Don't forget Kelly accepted $4.6 million from JPMorgan Chase. Terrible judgement. As a public servant he is supposed to serve the citizens of NYC not corpoRATS.

http://occupywallst.org/forum/jp-morgan-chase-bank-donates-46-million-to-nypdcoi/ http://occupywallst.org/forum/jp-morgan-donate-millions-to-nypd-prior-to-arrests/

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[-] 6 points by hvncb (24) 12 years ago

According to their constitutions, all power comes from the people. The people have no power to carry guns, shoot or beat up anyone. Then, from where do these "officers" get their power?

[-] 2 points by TechnicolorYawn (4) from White, NJ 12 years ago

Well said.

[-] 2 points by jamesluxley (29) 12 years ago

Very very good question. Can someone please reply. I believe the police are criminals and not lawful the way they carry guns and use force.

[-] 1 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

Honestly, some cops are pigs - but just like ANY group - some are good and some are bad
but these "bad" ones can do a hell of a lot of damage
to us
and to the police
Im not sure that getting rid of Ray is the real answer
Aren't there a dozen who would do the same?
It may be the easy answer
but the real answer is to change the culture of good cops
protecting the bad

[-] 3 points by jamesluxley (29) 12 years ago

I would think humans could design a totally new system. They can build rockets and dig gold but can't create a decent society where all are equal and nice and understands the basics of all human life. I do not believe the old style cop is the way forward. Cops may be needed for sure because of bad behavior but bad behavior comes only in a sicko society.

[-] 0 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

can you imagine a college fraternity where 10% are involved in buying test answers and the others turn them in? Very rare - if ever.
Our society has many problems, but I don't believe "blue solidarity" can be blamed on corporate greed or government corruption.
It has been around for centuries - and it is a CULTURE.
How long did it take to get lynchers to understand that society rejected that behavior? ask Trayvon Martin's family.

[-] 1 points by jamesluxley (29) 12 years ago

Spot on. Bad people and bad culture come from bad governments - they per say govern so they governed wrong. In a society based on equality there is no need for rough and tuff measures.

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[-] 5 points by shadz66 (19985) 12 years ago

Please try to consider the following article :

~

See that Bloomberg's & J.P.Morgan's NYPD

Can only mean "Not Your Police Department" !

Mercenary Cops are 'We The People' too and that

We try to Love All Sinners so long as they Repent !!

Yet Elite Parasites are incorrigible & unworthy of trust

As They will always seek to stifle any and all Dissent !!!

We Are 'The Enlightened Ninety-Nine point Nine, Nine'

And That Truly They are "The Darkside 0.01 Percent" !!!!

~

pax, amor et lux ...

[-] 3 points by francismjenkins (3713) 12 years ago

We should follow the lead of Norway, where regular police officers are unarmed (this would be a good start at least).

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Perhaps there is hope for the constitution and The Peoples Rights after all. It took them awhile to speak up but they did. Liberty is not dead yet. I posted to FaceBook also.


After Occupy Wall Street Police Violence, Council Members Speak Out by Ydanis Rodriguez on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 6:25pm ·

We, the undersigned elected officials, are deeply concerned with the excessive level of force employed by the NYPD on the night of March 17th, both in evicting peaceful demonstrators from Zuccotti Park and in arresting those who marched following the eviction.

From its inception six months ago, the Occupy Wall Street movement has consistently proven itself to be guilty of little other than bringing together tens of thousands of people to exuberantly exercise their Constitutional freedom to assemble and protest economic and social inequality in America. Yet, throughout the history of this non-violent movement, we have seen the NYPD using violent physical force against demonstrators who were threatening neither life nor property.

It is a sad reality that the events of March 17th come as little surprise to anyone familiar with the department's relationship to Occupy Wall Street's Constitutionally-protected activities. Some of us personally witnessed police officers beating demonstrators without cause, and photographic and video evidence points to further unprovoked assaults by NYPD officers, both in Zuccotti Park and in the march which followed. These images will continue to disturb residents of this city in the days to come.

As elected officials tasked with overseeing the NYPD and the public safety of New Yorkers, we are forced to say: enough is enough. We recognize the invaluable work that the department has done to protect our communities and prevent terrorism, but we cannot stand by as we become internationally renowned for the disregard our city shows for the freedom of assembly. As the New York Times editorial board put it today, while the NYPD has been given expanded investigative powers in the fight against terrorism, "the department should not interpret that as a license to run roughshod over the Constitution."

We are calling on Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly to exercise their leadership in protecting the rights of Occupy Wall Street, and all other movements or individuals who demonstrate in New York City. This means instructing NYPD officers, especially those in supervising roles, to use limited force only when necessary, and reinforcing the rights of the press. Regardless of whether we agree with any particular message, it is our duty to recognize that the right to assembly is the bedrock our society was founded on, and to let it be eroded now will do irreparable harm to the democracy built upon that foundation.

Signed,

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

Council Member Jumaane Williams

Council Member Letitia James

Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito

Council Member Stephen Levin

[-] -3 points by JackPulliam3rd (205) 12 years ago

So those idiots on the Council finally came up with a response after Kelly schooled them last week? Looks like they are trying to save face after Kelly shut them up.

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

We will see what goes down. If you are attacked what is the best thing to do? In this case it may have been to pull back and formulate a coherent and unified response.

We will see what we will see. Perhaps it is nothing and perhaps it is the start of additional support for change. Additional support for the fight against corruption.

Looks to be a very intense and interesting year.

[-] 2 points by PopsMauler (182) from Chicago, IL 12 years ago

Let's hope things get rolling soon. We can do it, but I still have a hard time reconciling that so many people can sit back and take the assault on most of the world's population.

Any ideas for trying to mobilize more people?

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

That I do not know. I believe that the people will come as they become aware. This is where outreach is necessary. I have been placing information out on other social network sites as well as talking to interested individuals.

Communication is essential. Being articulate on what is wrong and what we are doing about it is what needs to be shared.

[-] 0 points by debndan (1145) 12 years ago

Mobilize people?

Why that would mean actually doing something meaningful

Occupy has become more of a happy thoughts sort of thing, then patting themselves on the back when someone else gets something done.

pat pat pat, happy thoughts, happy thoughts

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[-] 3 points by thomas212 (3) 12 years ago

since this Commander RAN the show all day and through the night complete with head bashings through the post-raid march how should i get this out for all to see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYC6jS4cTl8 (my video)

with the highly-viewed http://www.youtube.com/user/wearechange?feature=watch ?!

[-] 3 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 12 years ago

The individual officers need to be exposed and posted on public "walls of shame." Shame the officers into doing the right thing, and push for police reform. We need elected officers, ones who can be recalled if the community is negatively impacted by their actions.

[-] 2 points by EarthChild101 (2) 12 years ago

I think that we need to Occupy Washington, as in Longview. There needs to be freedom and peace. I think this is very interesting and I want to know what i can do to help. If anyone cares to respond my email adress is kayteeisabeast@yahoo.com. NYPD needs to quit with the harrassment. If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal. -John Lennon

[-] 2 points by Ulla (2) 12 years ago

I belong to the 1%, but me and many others in this "elite-group" actually support you 100%.

The system is made to protect us, i know, i lived this caviar-life for 62 years now.

[-] 1 points by proudofOKC (361) 12 years ago

Thank you for supporting us. Please do all that you can think of to help us push for responsible change. From your position in society you have an opportunity to create change that only you can create. It's pretty awesome to know that someone at the top of the pyramid sympathizes with us.

[-] 2 points by SteveBiko (3) from New York, NY 12 years ago

I am one of NYC's top political scholars. I can give you LISTS OF THOUSANDS of Ray Kelly's super-scandals. You should help spread these Talking Points to everyone to give these nazis a taste of their own medicine. Ray Kelly is ALREADY a convicted criminal, found "guilty" of violating federal law by numerous judges. He should've been in prison during his FIRST stint as PC under Dinkins. If we unite, we can get him in prison,just like his predecessor, Police Commish Thug Bernie Kerik (whom was Bloomberg's FIRST choice over Kelly!)...... and I also can give you more dirt on Bloomberg than anyone else has. He's literally the #1 crook in USA history. empiregoodness at gmail dot com... and to the NYPD reading this, Never Forget that Kelly supported Rudy and Mike giving the part-time City Council a 100% pay raise (!!) while they gave cops less than 12%! YOU ARE PAWNS and most of you hate Rudy and Mike and Ray as much as the rest of us. And the 1% is now planning on gutting all your pensions. Don't be stupid. JOIN the rest of us and let's end this debate by jailing the REAL criminals.

[-] 1 points by jamesluxley (29) 12 years ago

Police are really hillbillies sad but true they need education like a baby needs milk

http://jamesluxley.com

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[-] 1 points by dorisday (-2) 12 years ago

time to break out the water hoses and clean the streets

[-] 2 points by dwhit45 (5) 12 years ago

Water with a disinfectant siphon hose hooked to it

[-] 1 points by JohnWa (513) 12 years ago

Biodegradable of course.

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[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Perhaps the Fire Department would let us use their equipment to hose down out of control police.

What say we ask.

Cay Serra Serra . . . what ever will be will be ..the futures not ours to see..Cay Serra Serra

[-] 1 points by SteveBiko (3) from New York, NY 12 years ago

ALSO, WARNING! There is a con artist NARC named HARRY STUCKEY aka VOX LUX who is infiltrating OWS. (Google him for photos.) He's affiliated with the police and DA and has even raped a bunch of girls we know using heroin (!), cat tranquilizers and more. I saw him interviewed during an OWS protest on CBS tv. He's a dangerous troll, b/c he looks nothing like govt undercovers, and he's a PROFESSIONAL con artist. Ask me for more details at empire goodness at gmail dot com.

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[+] -4 points by TimSykes (-22) 12 years ago

You people are sick... these police officers protect your lives and risk their own lives every day.

[-] 3 points by nomdeguerre (1775) from Brooklyn, NY 12 years ago

I guess they are so busy protecting us, risking their lives and waiting for little old ladies that they can help cross the streets that they don't have any effort left over to protect their pensions.

[-] -1 points by TimSykes (-22) 12 years ago

Ungrateful bastards

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