Press coverage

The internet is filling up with articles about the police actions on Bedford Avenue & North 7th Street in Williamsburg following the Obama victory.

Below are a few; feel free to drop others in the comments.

City Room (NY Times blog)
NY Times print article
NY Post
NBC New York

Free Williamsburg

Curbed 1
Curbed 2

NAG

Streetsblog

Brooklyn Vegan
In the comments:

dude THERE WAS NO RIOT!

how many times do we have to say it? there were a couple hundred people standing in the streets basically peaceably celebrating a historic moment, and certainly not doing anything rowdier than what was happening in any other neighborhood... and then the riot police rolled in.

just because there were cops in riot gear beating people up doesn't make it a riot.

Gowanus Lounge

Drunk and In Charge of a Bicycle

Craigs List

You Got Arrested. I Took Your Bike. (Williamsburg)
[h/t Gowanus Lounge]

Evil Monito

What you can do

Concerned about the police actions taken at Bedford Avenue & North 7th Street in Williamsburg following Obama's historic victory?

Here are some ways to get involved:

• Contact me at williamsburg110408@gmail.com to share your story, photos or video.

Especially if you were arrested, charged, intimidated or abused.

• File an Online Civilian Complaint Form with the NYPD.
  

• Voice your concerns to the Community Board. There is a full meeting on November 12, 2008.

Location: 435 Graham Avenue, #1

Time: 6:30pm start (be there at 6pm to sign up to speak)

Note that each speaker is given three, and only three, minutes to speak before the Council. Be prepared.

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• Address the 94th Precinct directly. There is a community meeting on November 17, 2008.

Location: North Fork Bank, 807 Manhattan Avenue (entrance on Calyer Street)

Time: 7:30pm

View Larger Map

• Contact your City Officials

Mayor, Michael Bloomberg

City Council, David Yassky

Yes We Can!!! (Live in a Police State)

So on election night when I was returning to North Williamsburg, my chosen home for well over 6 years now, Bedford Avenue was filled with a massively positive energy that I have never witnessed anywhere before. I called my best friend to come participate in the festivities of cheering, dancing, impromptu music playing, and all around joy for the Obama win saying repeatedly to him that this, is beautiful.

Flash forward a couple of hours... The police showed up, people were beaten, bloodied and had their property damaged and good citizens were arrested and detained for up to 24 hours.

I declare the possibility of building a community that shares its insights, photos, videos, and advice for this situation. Whether you are angry at what happened or you feel that the police were in the right, please join in the discussion. Let's debate when necessary rather than argue. Perhaps the adult tone of this blog will act as an example that the police can learn from, rather than seemingly acting as a force that instigates riots instead of maintaining the peace.

This blog, 11/04/08 11211, will be dedicated to the events that occurred in North Williamsburg that night and subsequently in response to these events.