Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

AOC leads criticism of NYPD for bragging about stopping ‘monsters’ stealing diapers and medicine

‘The arrests made led to the closure of 23 warrants and the recovery of $1800 worth of merchandise’

Harriet Sinclair
Friday 18 February 2022 07:20 EST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described members of the New York Police Department as “monsters” after officers displayed a haul of stolen merchandise they had recovered following arrests, that was made up of different types of children’s medicine, diapers and hygiene products.

Police posted the picture to Twitter and later deleted it, but not before people had taken screenshots of the image.

Alongside the image of the police and the haul of moastly baby-related essentials, NYPD posted: “After recieving numerous larceny complaints in the Bronx, officers from @NYPD4Pct recently arrested 12 individuals followung an enforcement initiative targeting shoplifters.

“The arrests made led to the closure of 23 warrants and the recovery of $1800 worth of merchandise.”

Posting one of the screenshots, the New York Democrat tweeted: “When I talk about violent conditions, this is what I mean.

“But hey, it’s much easier to frame people who steal baby formula and medicine as monsters to be jailed than acknowledge our politics and economic priorities create conditions where people steal baby formula to survive.”

She followed up her post with a comment saying: “Child tax credit expired Dec 31st and it was many people’s lifeline to feed and clothe their kids.

“Politicians let it expire overnight with a shrug, but now want to feed into the sensationalism around crime acting like shoplifting has nothing to do with their actions. Wild.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in