Journalist Armin Rosen’s story went viral this week after detailing his encounter with NYPD, in which he got hit with clubs and temporarily got his bike taken away – until it was found later the next day.
He details his story of that night, what he was doing at the moment police officers encountered Rosen, and what he saw on the frontlines during the protest.
Cops clubbed me and took my bike what the he’ll do I do
— Armin Rosen (@ArminRosen) June 4, 2020
I’m not kidding I got clubbed and they took my bike
— Armin Rosen (@ArminRosen) June 4, 2020
Shoulder feels sore but it’s the bike I’m most steamed about https://t.co/fnWr27uNMN https://t.co/EHIOOWdRQJ
— Armin Rosen (@ArminRosen) June 4, 2020
Cops would not give me a phone number or any means of redress. Literally said “it’s not your bike anymore”. No badge numbers, not sure the precinct though some had NYPD counter terror vests
— Armin Rosen (@ArminRosen) June 4, 2020
I’m in the subway and am currently safe. Basically it started pouring, I pulled over to the side of the crowd in front of Borough Hall to put my notebook in my backpack. Felt sold contact on my shoulder, next thing I knew I had 4 guys on me and was getting screamed at
— Armin Rosen (@ArminRosen) June 4, 2020
I get it—bike plus rifling around in bag is suspicious under the circumstances. I explained I was media. Cop was like, “take your shit she get the fuck out of here, pussy.” Didn’t let me zip up my backpack even. Couple other cops had already taken the bike away
— Armin Rosen (@ArminRosen) June 4, 2020
I asked for a phone number I could call, only responses I could get from the phalanx was “go the fuck home,” and “it’s not your bike anymore”
— Armin Rosen (@ArminRosen) June 4, 2020
Btw the clubbing was extremely professional—one swift strike right on the upper deltoid, didn’t hit bone. I can feel about a 3-inch welt forming. Realizing possible second, weaker strike to the left buttock, now that I’m climbing off some stairs…
— Armin Rosen (@ArminRosen) June 4, 2020
Watch the full conversation below.