NEWBURGH – Over a dozen people spoke out at the Newburgh City Council session Monday night with most saying the vulgar-laced tirade last week by Councilman Omari Shakur to city police should be seen as a “teachable moment” for all residents – black, white, Hispanic – come together as one community.
Many people said Shakur’s outburst was a single incident and the city should move forward. At least three other vulgar outbursts have surfaced involving Shakur and the police. In one of them, while a private citizen, Shakur called the officers “pigs” and “faggots.”
- https://www.facebook.com/1950165461900665/videos/697814500959354/
- https://youtu.be/Lr5QU9XOsNY
- https://youtu.be/vmkotSWjNhw
Most residents at the meeting called for healing following the last week’s interaction and outburst by Shakur.
Many residents who spoke talked about the good things that Shakur has done for residents, particularly those who have had social, economic, housing and other issues they face.
Mayor Torrance Harvey said an independent investigation into last week’s confrontation with police is being conducted.
Police Chief Douglas Solomon said after the meeting he supports the investigation and has confidence in the outcome. “I support my officers. At the end of the day, I don’t think it will be that there was any misconduct on my officers’ part and I think the third-party investigation will verify that in the end,” he said.
The mayor said he will be working with the city legal department about the possibility of writing an ordinance that would hold a council member responsible for misconduct that could include a $250 fine and/or a misdemeanor charge.
Regarding last week’s outburst, Shakur read the same statement he posted on his Facebook page over the weekend, apologizing for his actions, saying he was disrespected by the officers before the body camera video was recorded.
Many of the speakers said they were “disappointed” and others said they were “shocked” by Shakur’s comments, but said the city must come together.
