Al Sharpton Arrested

Guide Note

Civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton led hundreds of protesters through New York City in objection to the acquittal of three NYPD detectives who were involved in the shooting death of Sean Bell. Sharpton was arrested Wednesday May 6, 2008, during a protest planned to press authorities to investigate the shooting death of Bell.

Fast Facts

1. Sharpton is demanding a federal civil rights probe for Bell's death
2. 6 locations in New York City for the pray-in
3. Attending the protest: Shooting survivors Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman and Sean Bell's fiancee Nicole Paultre Bell
4. Protest took place during rush hour
5. 12 people were arrested near the Brooklyn Bridge

In 2006, Sean Bell left his bachelor party and an undercover detective, under the assumption that Bell was going to his car to retrieve a gun, confronted Bell. Bell attempted to flee and hit a police car in the process. Bell was killed as three law enforcement officers directed 50 bullets at him. A gun was never found and all three police officers were acquitted of all charges.

"The idea is to say all over the city that we are praying for justice – and pause, This city stops every day. We’re pausing to say you know an injustice was done here."—Al Sharpton

"I think it's another example of people being able to protest in New York City, but rest assured that we will enforce the law and we will do everything we can to make sure we don't violate anybody's rights."—Mayor Michael Bloomberg

"The actions were part of a lead-up to a citywide "shutdown" at a future date. We plan to do this throughout the spring."—Rachel Noerdlinger, Sharpton's spokeswoman