What to Know
- Some demonstrators protesting the lack of heat and electricity at a federal detention center attempted to get into the facility
- Witnesses say guards pushed them back and sprayed them with an unknown stinging substance
- Witnesses say officers used significant force to push the people out, with some of those attempting to come in falling to the ground
Lights began turning back on Sunday evening at a federal detention center in Brooklyn where inmates had been without power for days.
The lights were seen turning on after 6:30 p.m. The inmates have been largely without heat or power for the past week and also haven't been able to communicate with lawyers or loved ones, according to news reports.
Mayor de Blasio confirmed the power was back on.
"Make no mistake: this took people power," he said in a tweet. "Thank you to the families, activists and officials who fought for the dignity of people inside. More work ahead—let’s keep at it."
Earlier Sunday, some demonstrators protesting the lack of heat and electricity tried to enter the facility and witnesses said guards drove them back with pushes, shoves and pepper spray.
A reporter and photographer for The Associated Press were at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn when a woman, whose son is being detained, tried to get into the jail.
On Sunday, an inmate was able to call through the window of his cell, which faces out to the street, to his mother below. The woman, Yvonne Murchison, was crying and upset and tried to get into the facility, where visits have been stopped.
"I'd trade places with him any day, that's my child," she said.
She was followed by activists and media into the lobby, where visitors have to pass through metal detectors.
Witnesses said officers used significant force to push the people out, with some of those attempting to come in being pushed to the ground.
Local
The AP photographer felt some type of spray, and began to have trouble breathing. Those affected were seen washing out their eyes with water or milk.
The Bureau of Prisons has acknowledged that the jail "experienced a partial power outage due to a fire in the switch gear room."
The bureau had said a new electrical panel is being installed by an outside contractor and work was expected to be completed by Monday. The bureau didn't immediately explain how the lights turned on sooner.
The agency insisted that inmates had hot water for showers and sinks, and were getting medications as needed.
The jail administration did not return an email seeking comment on the clash Sunday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for an investigation of the circumstances of the loss of heat and electricity by the federal Department of Justice, saying the situation was "a violation of human decency and dignity" and also raises "questions of potential violations of law."
The Democrat said he wanted answers and those responsible held accountable.
"Prisoners in New York are human beings," Cuomo said. "Let's treat them that way."
The New York Civil Liberties Union released a statement Sunday calling on the Bureau of Prisons to "ensure that no detainee be subjected to retaliation for peacefully protesting."
"Today's confrontation between the Bureau of Prisons and family members of people jailed at MDC highlights the desperate need to address the dangerous, inhumane and unlawful conditions inside the facility," NYCLU executive director Donna Lieberman said.
