NYC Councilman Seeks to Limit NYPD Protest Response, Sparking Clash with Moderates

Firebrand lefty Councilman Chi Ossé plans to reintroduce a bill prohibiting the NYPD's Strategic Response Group from policing protests, parades, and other free speech events.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A revived push to stop the NYPD's Strategic Response Group from policing protests could spark a war between Mayor Zohran Mamdani's progressive City Council allies and moderate lawmakers such as Speaker Julie Menin. Councilman Chi Ossé plans to reintroduce a bill that would flatly prohibit SRG units from policing protests, parades, and other free speech events, a move welcomed by police unions but opposed by the council's moderates.

Why it matters

The SRG has long been a point of contention for progressives, who argue the unit regularly deploys brutal tactics that trample protesters' rights. The unit's defenders, however, say it plays a vital part in preventing protests from devolving into violence. This clash highlights the ongoing tensions between the city's progressive and moderate factions over the appropriate role of law enforcement in managing public demonstrations.

The details

Ossé's bill would ban 'kettling,' the practice of surrounding demonstrators and blocking escape routes, as well as prohibit the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and loud sound devices for crowd control. It would also require public reporting on arrests and use of force at protests. Police unions have criticized the proposal, arguing it would handcuff officers and make it harder to manage large, volatile crowds. Supporters, however, frame the bill as a necessary response to documented abuses by cops at demonstrations.

  • Ossé quietly pulled the bill after last week's failed Gracie Mansion terror attack, but plans to revive the measure in the coming weeks.
  • A previous version of the bill was introduced by Ossé in January 2025 but never received a hearing in the Council's Public Safety Committee.

The players

Chi Ossé

A firebrand lefty Brooklyn Councilman and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), who has been a vocal critic of the NYPD.

Zohran Mamdani

The progressive Mayor of New York City and a fellow DSA member, who has publicly called for the full disbanding of the NYPD's Strategic Response Group.

Julie Menin

The moderate Speaker of the New York City Council, who did not back Ossé's previous bill and could potentially kill the new proposal by not letting it reach the council's floor.

Patrick Hendry

The President of the Police Benevolent Association, who has criticized Ossé's bill as putting both cops and the public at unnecessary risk.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner, who has argued that the Strategic Response Group plays a vital part in preventing protests from devolving into violence.

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What they’re saying

“This bill should be an absolute non-starter. Any restriction on the NYPD's ability to deploy the appropriate number and type of police personnel to a volatile situation, puts both cops and the public unnecessarily at risk.”

— Patrick Hendry, Police Benevolent Association President (The Post)

“We don't care about politics. We care about saving lives and protecting our members.”

— Scott Munro, Detectives' Endowment Association President (The Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.