According to the New York Post, a divisive, sensationalist tabloid that stokes fear and often gets stories wrong, “gang members” threatened to “shoot it out with police” in New York City. The NYPD deployed “SWAT teams” at two precincts in Bed Stuy:
Four Emergency Services Unit officers, outfitted with helmets and assault weapons, were stationed at the 79th Precinct. Another two were at the 81st.
The alarming rumor reportedly came from a “confidential informant” that may have overheard something:
The beefed-up security was prompted by a confidential informant, who told cops of overhearing a member of the Baltimore-based Black Guerrilla Family talking with fellow gang members about plans to “shoot it out with police” at the two precincts, law enforcement sources told The Post.
But how serious is the threat?
A senior police official conceded to The Post, “We’re investigating that threat, but at this time, it does not appear to be credible.”
Shockingly, the the president of one of NYC”s police union says it’s very “credible.” His evidence:
“I’m told it’s credible,” Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, countered of the threat. “We’ve got emergency service personnel providing additional security outside of precincts. It’s credible.”
(Photo: Aymann Ismail/ANIMALNewYork)
