Rough riot cops captured on camera after Obama's election night win

BY SIMONE WEICHSELBAUM
New York Daily News
Nov. 21, 2008

Cell phone video showing NYPD cops - wearing riot gear - screaming at and swatting revelers in Brooklyn following Barack Obama's election win circulated on the Internet Wednesday.

An anonymous person recorded the Nov. 5 confrontation on Bedford Ave. and N. 7th St. in Williamsburg as celebrations erupted after Obama gave his victory speech.

"Get that f---ing phone outta my face," screamed the cop, seconds before lunging at a person.

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The NYPD said it was just dispersing the crowd.

"A large group that had blocked traffic on a large commercial thoroughfare was asked to move," wrote Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Browne.

"Those who failed to comply were subject to summons or arrest. A total of five summonses were issued and three arrests made. There were many other large gatherings that night without incident."

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Civil rights attorney Norman Siegel said the issue is bigger than an irate cop cursing at a group of rowdy 20-somethings.

"We need better training at the precinct and at the academy regarding police conduct towards citizens with video and cell phone cameras," Siegel said. "Officers shouldn't use the F-word and shouldn't assault citizens who are recording police."

In July, a video captured NYPD Officer Patrick Pogan, 22 knocking over bicyclist Christopher Long, 29, during a group bike ride through Times Square.

The shocking clip led the department to strip Pogan of his badge and gun while the incident was under investigation.