Rep. Josh Gottheimer has emerged as one of the most prominent Democrats to back Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s handling of unrest outside Delaney Hall, praising both the governor and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport “for their decisive action to protect the community from out-of-state, lawless protestors at Delaney Hall Detention Facility.”
Gottheimer said protesters crossed the line from peaceful demonstration into unlawful conduct, accusing some of knocking over barriers, using combat gear, and creating dangerous conditions for law enforcement officers, federal employees, and nearby residents.
“Instead of peacefully protesting in the designated areas, these groups have knocked over barriers and utilized combat gear, putting Jersey families, law enforcement, and federal workers in harm’s way,” Gottheimer said. “While I believe deeply in free speech, I do not support violent protests, the destruction of property, or attacks that endanger Jersey families and law enforcement.”
He praised Sherrill’s decision to deploy the New Jersey State Police Public Safety Response Team after demonstrators refused orders to move into a designated protest area near the detention center, a move that sharply contrasts with statements made by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who criticized the tactics used by State Police on the ground, suggesting that the deployment led to unnecessary confrontations and that city officials should have been more directly involved in operational decisions.
Gottheimer suggested that the unrest has caused substantial harm to surrounding neighborhoods.
“The unruly, out-of-state protestors have also prevented families from visiting loved ones at the detention center. These acts of destruction and violence do not reflect our values as a state,” Gottheimer stated. “While I believe deeply in free speech, I do not support violent protests, the destruction of property, or attacks that endanger Jersey families and law enforcement.”
RELATED ARTICLES
-
January 17, 2019 -
-
