Surrounded by an Angry Crowd: When the Law Betrays the Victim
What would you do?
You’re driving, going about your day, when you find yourself surrounded by an angry crowd of people that seem intent on doing harm. What would any one of us be expected to do in this situation?
Of course, we should call 911 and let the police professionals handle the situation. What if officers can’t get there in time, though? Are we expected to sit in our vehicle and just hope that the people screaming and pounding on our windows don’t break in and drag us out of the car?
Or do we allow self-preservation to kick in and attempt to escape the situation, as safely as we can?
A 62-year-old New Jersey woman was recently placed in a similar predicament.
As a colleague at the National Police Association (NPA) writes,
She “found herself surrounded by an angry crowd of anti-ICE protesters while driving through town. What began as a peaceful Saturday drive quickly turned chaotic when demonstrators swarmed into the intersection, blocking traffic. One protester approached the driver, Linda Roglen, and spat in her face through the open window. Roglen hastily rolled up her window and attempted to inch forward out of harm’s way. In doing so, her car clipped the protester’s foot, which had been placed in the path of her tire. Instantly, the crowd turned on her. Protesters banged on the vehicle and encircled her car, blocking escape. Fearing for her safety, Roglen pressed on the gas slowly, pushing through the human blockade until she finally broke free. Several agitators who refused to clear the path were pushed aside in the process, suffering minor injuries.”
The driver was arrested.
Allowing situations like this to occur is a betrayal of the law-abiding citizenry and a flat out assault on common sense. It’s perverse.
New Jersey needs to follow the lead of other states -like Florida, South Dakota, and Texas- that have passed driver protection bills. It’s why I’ve reached out to a New Jersey senator this morning, on behalf of NPA, lobbying for such legislation.
I’ll keep you updated.
Federal Legislation Designed to Mitigate Anarchy
Federal lawmakers have introduced several bills to address the lawlessness being allowed to foment in American cities. Here are two that NPA has endorsed. I’m in the process of gaining intel on the others.
Safe Cities Act (H.R. 3894)
Would identify and publish a list of “anarchist jurisdictions” and potentially restrict their federal funding. This bill codifies President Trump’s Presidential Memorandum ordering the U.S. Attorney General to review federal funding of jurisdictions that allow their cities to devolve into chaos.
Safe and Open Streets Act (S. 2115)
Creates a federal criminal penalty for knowingly interfering with, or conspiring to interfere with, the flow of traffic on a public street. Obstructing any public thoroughfare would result in a penalty of fines, a maximum term of five years imprisonment, or both.
We shouldn’t even need these bills. The people of these great cities should demand better leadership.
City Life Then and Now
As someone who grew up in the city of Chicago back in the day, I can attest that it has always had its issues. Crime is a problem that’s endemic to any big city at any given time. Put millions of people, some with nefarious intentions, into a confined area, add in organized crime (largely since incapacitated, thanks to the FBI) and street gangs, and there’s really no way to avoid it.
While there were some close calls and I was trained from a young age to be aware of my surroundings, I generally felt safe as a Chicagoan.
The benefits of living in this great city far outweighed the pockets of crime we’d read about, hear about, or see.
The sheer variety of ethnic restaurants, many that have long gone. The cultural experiences and museums. The unique and quirky neighborhoods. The beaches at Lake Michigan. The eclectic collection of architecture, from skyscrapers to brownstones, and everything in-between. Rush Street (in the 80s!) Concerts. The shops.
There was nothing quite like it, and I’m blessed to have these memories.
Through the years, my husband and I have considered moving back to Chicago. Given the state’s outrageous tax structure, poor city and state management, the exodus of favorite stores and restaurants, the Chicago PD staffing shortage coupled with the SAFE-T Act, it’s probably not going to happen in this lifetime.
New York City is in a similar situation.
These great American cities deserve to be saved. Which is why I’m grateful to see pockets of hope.
In Chicago, Pastor Corey Brooks fights poverty and crime using a faith-based approach that focuses on merit and hard work instead of government reliance.
In fact, he’s seeking volunteers to participate in his One Million Steps to Opportunity Walk Across America in the hopes of raising $25 million dollars for underserved communities.
In NYC, Betsy McCaughey, former lieutenant governor of New York and one of our police coalition members is co-founder of Save NYC, a group working to solve the city’s crime problem.
Corey and Betsy, and others like them who are focused on creating solutions, inspire me every day.
Best.
For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.
I'm very happy to see the work of Save NYC. They have their work cut out for them.