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'No complaints yet': Internet furious, but NYPD deny car that rammed BLM protesters in Times Square was theirs

A group tried to stop the vehicle from moving forward, but the car pushed back protesters before suddenly accelerating into the crowd

On September 3, a Black car was filmed plowing through a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters who gathered in Times Square to mourn Daniel Prude, who died after being pinned down by police in Rochester. The New York police department has said the investigation is ongoing on the startling and dangerous incident.

A September 3 video footage of the incident was shared by a user named DataInput on Twitter. It shows hundreds of protesters grouped together in Times Square as amidst a rainy night. The group is seen chanting 'No justice, no peace!' while a handful of people are seen on bicycles stand in front of a black Ford Taurus near an intersection. Suddenly, a car trying to find a way rummages through the crowd, while a group is attempting to stop the vehicle from moving forward. Undeterred, the car drives forward, pushing the group of protesters back, before suddenly accelerating into the crowd. After that, people can be seen screaming and lashing at the driver.

Since the incident occurred, Twitter has been flooded with tweets showing various footage of the incident. A journalist, Gwynne Hogan, tweeted how people were hurt and screamed for help. “Protesters hit people screaming for medics.” She further wrote, “People are rattled but still don’t see any minor injuries, and most were able to Jump out of way, people still marching now.”

NYPD asks to file complaint

The Daily Mail reported that an investigation has been launched in New York City after the car drove through a crowd of BLM demonstrators and left them desperately screaming for medics. It further states that the anti-racism demonstration was met with supporters of Trump and Back the Blue. After the dreadful incident, New York Police Department tweeted, “There is an ongoing investigation into an incident in Times Square involving a black Taurus sedan. This auto is NOT an NYPD vehicle." It added, “There are currently no complainants. NYPD asks if there is anyone injured, please come forward.”

Since NYPD tweed asking for people to come forward and file complaints, some users on social media wrote that since the evidence is there so no complaint is needed and swift action must be undertaken.

“You don't need a complaint to file charges. It's on videotape. You file charges without complainants all the time. That's reckless endangerment, reckless driving, attempted assault right there on tape. Hey, you could even charge attempt murder if you wanted to,” said a user

A user wrote to arrest the driver immediately. “Vehicular assault, arrest this guy now. Or does your surveillance apparatus only work against protestors?” 

Some even allege that the car belonged to New York state troopers though NYPD has denied it. “My best guess is that this belongs to the NY state troopers. This clearly an unmarked vehicle for LEO (front bumper, tinted windows, searchlight on the driver side). But take a look at the emblem in the bumper. Looks familiar.” 

People also lashed out at NYC Mayor and Democrats for feeble grip on law and order. “Everyone should be demanding @NYGovCuomo answer for these state troopers and everyone should be yelling at @NYCMayor for allowing the NYPD to act with impunity. Tired of Democrats letting the police get a pass to do whatever they want. This shit has got to stop.”

What the NYC lawmakers say

After the incident, the legislators and lawmakers have condemned the incident. NYC council member Keith Powers tweeted to look into the matter. “My office is looking into tonight’s incident in Times Square. Hoping everyone is safe. Using a vehicle to hurt peaceful protestors is unacceptable and must be stopped.” 

New York Senator Brad Hoylman wrote that he will be soon reaching out to people in the city. “This is incredibly disturbing. My staff is reaching out to the city.” 

NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson tweeted that the incident was reckless. “This video shows an incredibly reckless and disturbing action through a lawful protest.We must get to the bottom of it. We need accountability. 

Till now it cannot be substantiated who the car driver was or if the attack was intentional. Further, the investigation is ongoing.