Hate or hoax? A Hamas sympathizer’s allegations against the NYPD were seemingly debunked by bodycam footage that marked her claims “wholly untrue.”
On the eve of the Jewish Sabbath, when Iran would launch its own attack targeting Israel little more than six months after the brutality of Oct. 7, anti-Israel protesters took to the streets of New York City yet again with cries for intifada.
Amidst the rabble of the “Flood Manhattan for GAZA on EID” assembly that blocked traffic, the arrest of Nerdeen Kiswani, identified by the Anti-Defamation League as the leader of Within Our Lifetime-United for Palestine (WOL), a radical group supportive of violence against the Jewish state, forced the NYPD to release footage countering her claim that her hijab had been “ripped” off her head.
On X Saturday, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry shared video of officers interacting with a detained Kiswani after she posted her allegations.
“We are aware of social media posts regarding an individual detained by our police officers yesterday, and accusations that our officers ripped off a subject’s hijab. This is wholly untrue,” Daughtry wrote.
“Here’s Body-Worn Camera footage showing what really happened: Not only was the hijab not removed from the subject’s head, but our officers once again display the utmost courtesy, professionalism, and respect- by fixing the hijab for the subject,” added Daughtry as the video depicted one female officer carefully adjusting the covering for Kiswani. “Another example of why your NYPD officers truly are NY’s finest.”
We are aware of social media posts regarding an individual detained by our police officers yesterday, and accusations that our officers ripped off a subject’s hijab. This is wholly untrue.
Here’s Body-Worn Camera footage showing what really happened:
Not only was the hijab not… https://t.co/CXuHRVgVQe pic.twitter.com/8JZYlPWUxF
— NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Operations Kaz Daughtry (@NYPDDaughtry) April 13, 2024
The protest leader had touted the violation of her religious practices when she had posted, “Today on the 3rd day of Eid the NYPD brutalized and arrested me and ripped of [sic] my hijab; with no warning. For protesting the genocide in Gaza. They refused to allow me to put my hijab back on. Please don’t post photos of me without my hijab on even if you try to block my hair.”
In response to Daughtry’s video, Kiswani fired back, “They had to fix it because it was ripped off. That’s how it works. I was brutally arrested on the ground without hijab and forced to stand up with it off my head. My sister initially fixed it, and was also groped by your officers for doing so. This video was way after the fact.”
Still, the deputy commissioner held strong to defending the actions of officers as he reminded, “I completely understand your feelings and the distress you’re going through. It’s essential to note particularly when dealing with law enforcement, that compliance with lawful orders is crucial. If an arrest is in progress and there is resistance, it’s a possibility that items of clothing might inadvertently be displaced.”
“I can say that maintaining order and respect for the law is of utmost importance,” he added. “Following the directive from law enforcement is critical for ensuring a smooth process. This perspective doesn’t undermine the importance of respect for individual rights and rules of conduct that officers must follow. However, it’s an essential piece of advice for any encounters with law enforcement to prevent any escalation or misunderstanding.”
I completely understand your feelings and the distress you’re going through. It’s essential to note, particularly when dealing with law enforcement, that compliance with lawful orders is crucial. If an arrest is in progress and there is resistance, it’s a possibility that items… https://t.co/EpI5dPWbPX
— NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Operations Kaz Daughtry (@NYPDDaughtry) April 13, 2024
Additional video from the protest further made clear that officers had ordered those gathered over a public address system to get out of the street or they would be subject to arrest.
#NYC ARRESTS and Clashes as hundreds of Pro-palestine protesters march on “Flood Manhattan for GAZA on EID” from Herald Square.
Video by Mark Apolloa [email protected] to license pic.twitter.com/Ht5pPqRAGU
— FreedomNews.Tv FNTV (@FreedomNTV) April 12, 2024
Of course, Kiswani, who has led some of the ever-present anti-Israel protests throughout New York since Oct. 7 was no stranger to placing herself in the spotlight after she made a name for herself delivering the May 2022 commencement address for CUNY Law that took aim at “Zionists” whom she’d called to be booted from community spaces.
In November, she had appeared in a debate on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” with Jewish journalist Emily Austin, a judge for the Miss Universe pageant, who had received “Really specific death threats” after Kiswani had called her a “genocide denier.”
Worth noting, while adherents to the Muslim faith practiced hijab to varying degrees, Kiswani’s protestations about having her hair visible did not seem to be at play during her appearance on Morgan’s program, as she continued to level claims against the NYPD, or while calling for the end of Israel on the streets of New York.
The video the NYPD posted to claim I lied about my hijab is not footage of the arrest, which was violent and humiliating.
I was cuffed and yanked off of the ground with my hijab off and wasn’t allowed to fix it before being forced up. Multiple male officers put hands on me. pic.twitter.com/yuN27YmWcj
— Nerdeen Kiswani (@NerdeenKiswani) April 14, 2024
Kissinger was a war criminal who facilitated the largest transfer of weapons to Israel in U.S. history. NYC cheered upon hearing this news as he has caused the death and suffering of millions worldwide. Of course zionist Eric sexual harassment Adams would celebrate him. https://t.co/ZZjYaF1F0R pic.twitter.com/AE8uOE5ft3
— Nerdeen Kiswani (@NerdeenKiswani) November 30, 2023
What I said on 10/7 and ima say it again. Colonization is inherently violent. Never equate the violence of the colonized with the colonizer. That necessitates supporting our right to defend ourselves and liberate our homeland. Freedom has always been achieved through resistance. pic.twitter.com/VmyPRxHciK
— Nerdeen Kiswani (@NerdeenKiswani) November 28, 2023
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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