A video is being spread across social media after a group of plainclothes police officers pulled a protestor off the street and dragged her into an unmarked van in New York.
The encounter took place at approximately 6 PM and was captured by journalist Michelle Hooq. A Black Lives Matter protest was happening at 2nd Ave and 25th Street when the victim, since identified as an 18-year-old trans woman named Nikki, was thrown into the vehicle and rag-dolled around.
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"In regard to a video on social media, a woman taken into custody in an unmarked van was wanted for damaging police cameras during 5 separate criminal incidents. The arresting officers were assaulted with rocks & bottles," said the NYPD in a statement.
As reported by Complex, Nikki has been released from police custody. Carlina Rivera, a representative of the 2nd district of the NYC Council, is calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to do something about this and plainclothes cops in general.
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"We’ve just received confirmation that Nikki has been released. Thank you to all the advocates who have been bringing support and attention," she tweeted. "Now it’s time to hear from @NYCMayor about how he will address this arrest and the future of unidentifiable policing in NYC."
Nikki, an 18-year-old trans woman, was apparently grabbed by her neck by a group of four men, who were unidentified officers. This incident has forced people to question the use of plainclothes cops in New York and around the country.
