Curfew came and went, but party went on at Wash. Sq.
Party in the park: Park goers pour alcohol into each other’s mouths.
BY DEAN MOSES
The battle for Washington Square
Park raged on as protesters and
revelers were out in full force Friday
night, June 11, to take back their park.
Last weekend, Lower Manhattanites
were left shocked by the use of force employed
by the NYPD to enforce a new 10
p.m. weekend curfew that led to a standoff
between citizens and police in Washington
Square Park. Arriving in riot gear, offi cers
could be seen tossing around individuals
who refused to abide by the new rule,
leading to over 20 arrests. One-week later,
protesters began with a preemptive strike.
Although several tabloids have written
scathing articles citing rampant drug use,
a group striving to fi ght for the park believe
the recent surge in law enforcement stems
from wealthy locals complaining of noise
pollution.
At just past 5:30 p.m. on June 11, park
freedom fi ghters made a call to arms.
PHOTOS BY DEAN MOSES
“You might have been getting beat on
by the NYPD for the last couple of days.
They’ve been coming in here, without no
probable cause, without no reason, and I
know a lot of y’all have been wondering
A skateboarder jumps a bench.
why that has been happening,” a protester
known as Des said. “People that live in
this community across the street and all
along here are putting in complaints saying
that we are in here acting animals, but
when I look around here, we don’t see no
animals. I see a bunch of college students
and human beings trying to enjoy life. They
said once the vaccines were approved that
everything would go back to normal, so
what’s the problem? Why can’t we go to
this park and enjoy ourselves?”
Chanting “People over profi ts,” protesters
rallied outside of The Brevoort at 11
Fifth Avenue where the doorman swiftly
locked the entrance doors. Bemused residents
gazed out from their windows while
those below promised to return each day if
the curfew continues to be enforced.
After several minutes NYPD offi cers
arrived, which did not sit well with demonstrators.
Protesters surrounded the lone
squad car making lewd hand gestures.
Although there was a brief scare as the
patrol car attempted to drive away, which
saw a number of individuals almost getting
struck by the vehicle, those at the rally
marched back to the park without further
incident.
AFTER NIGHTFALL
As curfew loomed, Washington Square
Parj was bustling with life. Pulsating lights
ignited the greenspace while pounding music
thanks to an onsite DJ had groups of
young adults and teens creating a mosh pit.
Smoke and the stench of alcohol wafted
on the air as partygoers danced and even
poured vodka into open mouths.
“We are vaccinated and just want to
party!” one woman told amNewYork Metro
as she danced with a friend.
In addition to the party, skateboarders
showed off their tricks by hopping seats
while couples kissed beside the iconic
fountain.
Although attendees put on a brave face,
there was almost an unheard sigh of relief
and sense of victory that washed over the
park after the 10pm curfew came and went
with no sign of the NYPD.
Friday night came as a big victory for
those fi ghting to maintain their hangout
spot. However, while round two went to
park goers it is clear the class warfare is
only just beginning.
Protesters surround a responding squad car.
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