Senator Hoylman Calls on District Attorneys To Drop Unlawful Assembly And Disorderly Conduct Charges Against Those Protesting Police Brutality

NEW YORK—Over the past 48 hours, thousands of New Yorkers joined protests in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the many other black victims of police brutality. Protesters have been arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct (Penal Law Sec. 240.20) and Unlawful Assembly (Penal Law Sec. 240.10). 

Senator Brad Hoylman, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement in response:

“Systemic reform has to include our treatment of protesters. There’s nothing unlawful about a New Yorker exercising their First Amendment rights. 

“I’m calling on all five District Attorneys in New York City to drop charges against protesters for the class B misdemeanor of Unlawful Assembly (Penal Law Sec. 240.10) and the violation of Disorderly Conduct (Penal Law Sec. 240.20).

“Protesting injustice is not a crime. In New York City, prosecutors shouldn’t treat it as one.”

Over the weekend, Senator Hoylman joined protests in Staten Island and in Union Square calling for justice for George Floyd and victims of police brutality.