Transgender activists and allies to hold press
conference in response to brutal police attack at the Sylvia Rivera Law
Project Fifth Anniversary

On Wednesday, September 26, 2007, officers from the New York Police
Department’s 9th precinct made an unprovoked attack, employing
excessive use of force against members of the Sylvia Rivera Law Project
and other community members. While pepper-spraying a group of people
who were gathered outside of a celebration and benefit for the
organization’s five year anniversary, the police also violently
arrested two people from the crowd, Ileana Mendez-Penate and Reggie
Gossett. These two people were released the following night, and all
charges were dropped.

A press conference will be held on Monday, October 1st @ 2pm on the
front steps of New York City Hall in Lower Manhattan. We at The Sylvia
Rivera Law Project would like to thank all the local elected officials
and their staffers, especially Rosie Mendez and her staff, who had a
hand in the eventual release of the two detainees.

WHO: Community members and Allies of the Sylvia Rivera Law
Project, including the two arrestees, Reggie Gossett and Ileana
Mendez-Penate.

WHAT: A press conference on the steps of New York City Hall.

WHEN: 2:00 pm, Monday October 1, 2007.

WHERE: On the Steps of New York City Hall, in City Hall Park between Broadway, Park Row and Chambers Street.

WHY: By holding this press conference, transgender activists and
allies prepare to send the message that excessive unprovoked police
force and false arrests by the 9th precinct or any other precinct will
not be tolerated.

UPDATE: 8:30pm Thursday 9/27

Reggie and Ileana have just been released from police custody! The DA
declined prosecution, which means that no charges are being pressed.
They are free and clear, and are now getting the support they need
from their community - in person.

We are all thrilled by this result, the only truly just outcome after
a long night and day of injustice. Thank you to everyone who has
helped out and expressed support, including all of the allied
organizations, fellow activists, community members and council people
who stepped up to support us.

Although they have thankfully been released, our work around this
incident is not finished. Now it is time to hold the police
accountable for the unnecessary force and community targeting that
occurred last night, and work so that no more incidents like this
happen again. We will keep you all posted as to our
next steps and ways to plug in.

Posted under revolt