This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
Arrests and Aftermath: Five New Yorkers Share Their Stories ¶
On June 1, 2020, the death of George Floyd sparked widespread protests in New York City, with thousands taking to the streets to demand justice and equality. While the protests received extensive attention, the aftermath of the arrests has been less scrutinized.
According to The New York Times, more than 2,000 people were arrested during the protests, most for low-level offenses such as violating the official curfew or refusing to disperse. Many of those arrested described waiting for hours in cramped holding cells while the police tried to process them, with some even being arrested despite their friends being let go.
One of those arrested was Courtney Taylor, a 21-year-old from Brooklyn who had never attended a protest before. On June 5, she was helping to lead a march through Downtown Brooklyn and Flatbush when the police surrounded them, citing a song as the reason for the arrest. Ms. Taylor recalled that she was the leader of the group and was surrounded by police, which was 'very traumatizing.'
Another arrestee was Mike Pappas, a 30-year-old doctor who had volunteered as a medic during the protests. On June 4, he was arrested while trying to help a group of protesters, despite explaining to the officer that he was an essential worker and was permitted to be out after curfew. Mr. Pappas was taken to a holding cell with 16 other protesters, where they were given two small bottles of water to share and few others were wearing masks.
Anthony Mendez, a 24-year-old from Brooklyn, was also arrested during the protests. On June 3, he joined a group marching through Downtown Brooklyn and was arrested despite explaining to the officer that he was a medic and was allowed to be there. Mr. Mendez recalled that he was handcuffed but was also being kicked by others, leaving him 'scared for his life.'
These stories highlight the challenges faced by those arrested during the protests, including the disorganization of the police and the lack of clear communication. While the Police Department has defended its handling of the protests, saying that officers targeted only a small number of people who sought to commit violence, the experiences of those arrested suggest a more complex reality.
As one of the arrested individuals, Courtney Taylor, said, 'I'm risking my life to fight for my justice.'
