Teaneck Police Issue Summonses During Protest, Citing Violations of New Ordinance
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teaneck NJ, a statewide rally intended to create a “living chain of resistance” took a complicated turn in Teaneck, New Jersey, when two demonstrators received summonses for violating the township’s new special events ordinance. The incident highlights the growing tension between the right to protest and local regulations designed to manage public gatherings.
On September 17, approximately 35 people participated in the Hands Across New Jersey rally, which aimed to defend the Constitution and democracy. According to Police Chief Andrew McGurr, a permit application for the event was submitted but denied because organizers planned to block traffic. Despite the denial, participants gathered on Queen Anne Road, directly in front of Congregation Beth Aaron.
What Led to the Summonses?
Chief McGurr said that police observed several violations of the township’s new protest ordinance, which was approved in April to address concerns over public safety and freedom of expression. The summonses issued to two individuals—identified as event coordinators—were for the following violations:
- No Valid Permit: The group proceeded with the event despite their permit application being denied.
- Prohibited Signage: Demonstrators were using signs affixed to wooden poles, which the ordinance prohibits in favor of cardboard tubing.
- Proximity to a House of Worship: The rally took place within 100 feet of a synagogue less than an hour before scheduled prayer services, a violation of the ordinance.
- Obstructing Public Space: The demonstration also allegedly obstructed public sidewalks and pedestrian traffic.
According to McGurr, the group complied with police instructions to disperse and left the area without further incident.
Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz echoed the police chief’s statement, saying the police were right to uphold the new law. “Many members of the house of worship reached out concerned,” he said. “We thank the police for upholding the law.”
The new ordinance was put in place after months of debate sparked by protests following the October 2023 Hamas attacks and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. The law was designed to balance the diverse free speech rights of the community while ensuring safety and public order.
Follow the Ridgewood blog has a brand-new new X account, we tweet good sh$t
https://twitter.com/TRBNJNews
https://truthsocial.com/@theridgewoodblog
https://mewe.com/jamesfoytlin.74/posts
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
Good. Anything to rid us of these leftist losers.
like to see how this plays out in the courts
An unconstitutional ordinance for sure.
Democrats are not very good looking/ there’s actually a lot of studies that show that converstatives are happier, healthier, and much better looking