click to download the press release (PDF)

NYPD Announces Operation Torch on Same Day Judge Gave a Pass to Cops in 50-shot Death of Sean Bell

Peoples’ Justice Denounces New Program

May 14, 2008, New York – On Friday, April 25, 2008, the NYPD announced their latest effort in so-called "terrorism" prevention – Operation Torch. In this new federally-funded program, NYPD officers will be equipped with automatic assault rifles and bomb-sniffing dogs and will patrol subways and platforms. In addition, the money received from the federal government will be used to buy the latest in surveillance technology, including new surveillance cameras. Peoples' Justice – a coalition of grassroots groups organizing against police violence – issued the following statement denouncing the new program:

April 28, 2008: Following Acquittal of NYPD Officers in Sean Bell Killing, Advocates Call for Special Prosecutor in Police Brutality Cases

Excerpt of Democracy Now 04/28/2008 - Additional Formats

• Real Video Stream
• Real Audio Stream
• MP3 Download

Full Length Version of Democracy Now 04/28/2008 Epsiode

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Brief summary of Friday April 25th

• Peoples Justice Rally for Justice for Sean Bell & All Victims of Police Brutality
• 2 arrests following formal march

Following yesterday morning's announcement of Judge Cooperman's "not guilty on all counts" acquittal verdict of 3 of the 5 NYPD officers involved in the murder of Sean Bell, hundreds gathered in Queens to express their outrage. Disgusted by the trial process (determined by 1 judge rather than a jury), and the unjust outcome, the Peoples Justice rally began at 5:30pm by the Queens DA's office, with family members speaking of having lost loved ones to police brutality, and others speaking of personal experiences being victimized by law enforcement violence, including: Nicholas Heyward, Sr. spoke of his son - Nicholas Heyward, Jr. - murdered by the NYPD; members of Jayson Tirado's family; Juanita Young, mother of Malcolm Ferguson and founder of Parents Against Police Brutality; representatives of the Bushwick 32 case; Desis Rising Up & Moving, linking the struggle against police brutality to the struggle against the criminalization of immigrants.  In addition to justice for Sean Bell and other specific cases, Peoples Justice is calling for an end to racist & militarized policing of our communities; the creation of a permanent independent prosecutor for all cases of police brutality in NYC; and increased efforts for community control of our safety through creation of community Cop Watch patrols and Know Your Rights work.

Peoples Justice moved the rally from the Queens DA's office with a march to Liverpool, the site of the 50-shot murder of Sean Bell and injuries to his friends Trent Benefield & Joseph Guzman.  The unpermitted march, growing to 1,500 on Queens Boulevard, stopped traffic and was greeted by enormous support from community members along the way -- many joined the march; others honked their support from their cars, not seeming bothered to be stopped in traffic; others cheered from rooftops, apartments, stores, and buses.

At the closing rally on Liverpool (site of the shooting), about 500 vowed to continue the struggle for justice for Sean Bell & all victims of police brutality. Co-MC's Jessica Sanclemente (from the Justice Committee) and Thenjiwe McHarris (Malcolm X Grassroots Movement) reminded community members of the need to demand accountability of the police while also taking steps towards community control through Know Your Rights education and Cop Watch patrols. Those interested in developing their own Cop Watch patrols can contact the Justice Committee or Malcolm X Grassroots Movement for more information, and Peoples Justice can be contacted for more information about Know Your Rights training.

Following the close of the formal Peoples Justice march & rally, some continued with an impromptu march through parts of Jamaica, Queens. According to updates Peoples Justice received, at about 11:30pm, following the dispersal of one group at the 103rd Precinct, a protester was arrested as he was leaving, and a legal observer who tried to get badge information of the arresting officers was also arrested. After getting the news last night, Peoples Justice organizers secured an attorney to work with the 2 who were arrested, and also had several Peoples Justice organizers go to the 107th precinct where they were being held before being transported to Central Booking. The attorney attempted to have them released with DAT's (desk appearance tickets), which is often protocol in such cases. The NYPD refused. We expect that the 2 will be released today, and will post additional updates if community mobilization is required.

• Watch the Democracy Now interview with Jessica Sanclemente, the co-coordinator of People’s Justice.
• See all of the media coverage (photos and videos) from the March and Rally.

JUSTICE FOR SEAN BELL AND ALL VICTIMS OF POLICE VIOLENCE!!

COME OUT APRIL 25^th - VOICE YOUR OUTRAGE!!

In Nov. 2006, Sean Bell was murdered by the NYPD  in a hail of 50 bullets. His  friends - Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman - were seriously injured. 3 of the officers involved were acquitted of all charges in a bold affront to the human rights of Sean Bell and all of us.

PEOPLES  JUSTICE  for Community Control and Police Accountability is calling for a rally and community speak-out in front of the Queens DA's office ON THIS DAY*.  

COME OUT:  FRIDAY APRIL 25^th 5:30 pm

@ the Queens DA's Office

125-01 Queens Blvd. (between Hoover Ave & 82nd Ave.)

E or F train to Union Turnpike 

The NYPD's murder of Bell and attempted murders of Benefield and Guzman are NOT isolated or random events. They represent the continued targeting of communities of color by the police and the lack of accountability for police misconduct and abuse.

Endorsers (list in formation):

Download the PDF flyer

*Peoples Justice is no longer calling for an auction the day after the verdict. If the judge goes back on his word and chooses to delay handing down the verdict, COME OUT on April 25th at 5:30PM and go to peoplesjustice.org and myspace.com/peoplesjustice to find out about the next steps.