The Bronx Defenders role in the filming of an offensive video—with lyrics calling for the killing of police officers—was a deplorable violation of its mission and responsibilities to New York City taxpayers. According to DOI, the organization, which receives $20 million in funding from the City, demonstrated serious misconduct in the actions of two attorneys, who participated in the video despite its hateful lyrics, and gross mismanagement and misleading statements by its Executive Director, who failed to review the product before authorizing Bronx Defenders involvement. It is appalling that portions of the video were filmed inside or in front of the organization’s offices, and the scene where two actors point a gun at the head of a New York City Police Office was a contemptible insult–not only to NYPD officers, but to all law-abiding citizens of this City. The Bronx Defenders failure to act responsibly calls for an immediate shake-up in which all of those involved are held responsible, and the implementation of tough safeguards and procedures–to ensure that something like this never happens again.
Follow Us