CPR Calls for de Blasio to Denounce Dangerous, Divisive Rhetoric from Commissioner

New York, NY

In response to Commissioner Bratton’s speech at a NYPD promotion ceremony on Tuesday in which he claimed protests against Eric Garner’s killing led to the killing of police officers, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokesperson Monifa Bandele.

“Commissioner Bratton’s unconscionable statement yesterday at a NYPD promotion ceremony was reckless and wildly inaccurate. His attempt to connect the protests of the unjust killing of Eric Garner to the unjust killing of police officers is despicable and irresponsible. It’s even more troubling that his comments came just hours after five anti-police brutality protesters in Minnesota were shot while engaging in their First Amendment-protected rights.

“We call on Mayor Bill de Blasio to denounce this dangerous rhetoric that equates protest of police brutality with violence, thereby threatening the safety of those who choose to exercise that Constitutional right. Even more serious questions are raised when one considers recent abusive treatment of protesters and that Commissioner Bratton’s past declaration that the NYPD Strategic Response Group would not be dually focused on protests and terrorism has now been objectively revealed as disingenuous. It's contradictory and unacceptable that Commissioner Bratton, who claims to want to bring people together and address long-standing community concerns about policing, continues with such divisive and dangerous rhetoric.”

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About Communities United for Police Reform: Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) is an unprecedented campaign to end discriminatory policing practices in New York, and to build a lasting movement that promotes public safety and policing practices based on cooperation and respect– not discriminatory targeting and harassment. CPR brings together a movement of community members, lawyers, researchers and activists to work for change. The partners in this campaign come from all 5 boroughs, from all walks of life and represent many of those unfairly targeted the most by the NYPD. CPR is fighting for reforms that will promote community safety while ensuring that the NYPD protects and serves all New Yorkers.