Hawk Newsome Says Plainclothed Officer Threatened Him Outside Bronx Court During Erik Duran Trial

Bronx court scene turns tense as Black Lives Matter co-founder Hawk Newsome says a plainclothed officer threatened him outside Sergeant Erik Duran's trial.

Black Lives Matter co-founder Hawk Newsome alleged that a plainclothed officer threatened to kill him outside a Bronx courthouse on Wednesday afternoon, sparking renewed questions about police conduct and safety for activists.

The confrontation occurred outside the trial of Sergeant Erik Duran, who is accused of throwing a cooler at a fleeing suspect. According to Newsome and several eyewitnesses, the exchange escalated when an officer not in uniform delivered the threat as tensions mounted near the courthouse entrance.

Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as bystanders and activists gathered for the trial. Multiple witnesses corroborated Newsome’s version of events, saying the plainclothed officer approached the group and made the alleged comment. Those present said the threat immediately raised alarms given the high-profile nature of the case and the heightened scrutiny around police interactions with protesters and community leaders.

The allegation comes amid heightened attention to the trial itself, where Sergeant Erik Duran faces accusations for misconduct in an incident captured on video. That case has drawn community activists, attorneys, and local residents to the Bronx courthouse, magnifying any confrontation between law enforcement and demonstrators.

Newsome and Black Lives Matter advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged threat. Many activists view the incident as emblematic of broader concerns about harassment and intimidation of organizers and community leaders. Calls for police accountability have intensified, with critics urging transparency about the officer’s identity and the circumstances surrounding the alleged statement.

The NYPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the alleged threat. Legal observers note that corroborated eyewitness testimony could prompt internal probes or external reviews, depending on what investigative bodies find. For now, organizers plan to press for answers and monitor developments closely as the trial of Sgt. Duran continues.

As the community awaits official responses, the episode underscores the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activists in New York City. Whether the allegation will lead to formal disciplinary action remains to be seen, but the incident has already renewed conversations about safety, oversight, and the treatment of public protesters and leaders outside courthouses and other civic spaces.

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