Haitian BLM Organizer Besieged By NYPD

Jay Blessed • August 8, 2020 • News

Derrick Ingram, 28, is a Haitian American Black Lives Matter - BLM activist and founder of social advocacy group, Warriors in the Garden, who was in a 5 hour stand off with the NYPD, has turned himself in.

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Derrick Ingram, a Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) organizer, was besieged inside his Manhattan apartment on Friday (August 7th) while a police helicopter patrolled overhead, officers banged on his door and police dogs growled in the hallway.

The above quote is from an alarming story published by the New York Times.

Derrick Ingram, 28, is a Haitian American activist and founder of social advocacy group, Warriors in the Garden – a Collective of non-violent activists dedicated to protect our community from all forms of systemic oppression.

RELATED: Haitian NYPD Lt. Edwin Raymond Joins NY City Council Race on Ep. 44: “Be The Change You Want To See”

Ingram refused entry to the NYPD, who showed up at his apartment without a warrant for his arrest. He is accused of attacking a female officer by using a bullhorn to shout in her ear. Ingram has maintained his innocence.

During the standoff, Ingram communicated with his attorneys and supporters via an Instagram Live, as he claims calls to his attorneys were being intercepted by the police.

View this post on Instagram

AUGUST 7TH: The NYPD forced a stand-off with one of our lead organizers and co-founder, Derrick Ingram, and held hostage for 5 HOURS in his own home. NYPD arrived to his door stating they had a warrant for his arrest in regards to BAYSIDE and he needed to open the door immediately , he asked for the warrant to be slid under the door then they quickly shifted their words to “We’re working on getting one.” This entire process was very traumatic for Dwreck as they began to bang on his door, have K-9’s scratching at his door, sharpshooters pointing into the window, drones flying to his window, police officers stationed in the building next door and 2 helicopters flying above his head. We are NON-VIOLENT PROTESTORS and the work and dedication we have all put into this movement displayed this type of reaction. We will keep fighting and we will keep being the voice for the people. Dwreck has made the executive decision to turn himself in tomorrow morning and he will explain why! We are asking for all supporters from organizers to NYC citizens to please join us at 42ND STREET BRYANT PARK 8AM SHARP. **WILL BE PLANNING TO MARCH AT 8:15AM, PLEASE ARRIVE BETWEEN 7:50-8:00AM** #earlybirdgetstheworm One officer states in the video posted “Why don’t you be the WARRIOR that you state you are and come out and let’s face the system.” And to that, we say, #TAKEITTOTHESTREETS #ANDFUCKTHEPOLICE #nojusticenopeace

A post shared by WARRIORS IN THE GARDEN (@warriorsinthegarden) on Aug 7, 2020 at 5:52pm PDT

After a 5 hours stand-off with no warrant, and over 100 protestors showing up in solidarity near his residence, the NYPD retreated and called off the arrest.

Ingram turned himself into the NYPD’s Midtown North Precinct on Saturday morning, marching into the precinct with the support of a large crowd of protesters.

“I can’t talk a lot about exactly what happened. I just want to say I’m thankful for all the love and support and kind words and the amazing outreach and kindness I received in the last 24 hours,” Ingram said in the video. “I’m highly traumatized, from everything from the drones to the dogs to the lies that have been told by the NYPD, and I’m ready to make a change. I think we should focus on getting [NYPD] Commissioner Shea out of office.”

According to an NYPD spokeswoman, Ingram was booked on a second-degree assault charge in connection with a June 14 incident during a protest in Midtown Manhattan.