Sergeant Joseph Imperatrice, founder of Blue Lives Matter NYC, expressed concerns about the recent anti-Israel encampment protest at Columbia University, warning that such demonstrations can pose a threat to police officers. Imperatrice described the experience of dealing with protesters as 'disgusting' for law enforcement.
Imperatrice highlighted the challenges faced by police officers when confronted by aggressive protesters who may provoke them into making mistakes. He emphasized the presence of cameras recording their every move, making it crucial for officers to exercise restraint and professionalism in such situations.
Imperatrice echoed New York City Mayor Eric Adams' observation that outside agitators seem to be fueling the protests and engaging in violent acts like throwing bottles at police officers. He suggested that these agitators are organized and coordinated, not just in New York but also in other states where similar protests are taking place.
According to Imperatrice, the disruptive nature of these protests, which include blocking airports and traffic, indicates a level of coordination among the demonstrators. He emphasized the need for law enforcement to remain vigilant and maintain composure in the face of such challenges.