Top officials in the New York Police Department have announced that they are in 'standby mode' to ensure the safety of Columbia University students amidst an ongoing anti-Israel protest on campus. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell and Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry stated that the police's role is to maintain neutrality, protect individuals, and uphold the First Amendment rights of demonstrators.
Chell and Daughtry emphasized that while they support peaceful protests, they will not allow demonstrators to disrupt the streets of New York City as seen in Seattle's 'Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone' (CHAZ) in 2020. Chell assured the public that any attempts to establish similar encampments in New York City would be swiftly addressed.
The officials also addressed the concerning language directed at police officers by protesters, including comparisons to the KKK. Chell condemned such remarks as 'reprehensible' and 'disgusting,' highlighting the need for respectful dialogue.
Daughtry further noted that if police officers were to speak in a similar manner to how they have been addressed by some professors and faculty members, they would face disciplinary action.
The NYPD officials' statements underscore the department's commitment to maintaining public safety, upholding the law, and ensuring that all individuals can exercise their rights peacefully and responsibly.
