NYC BLM leader compares himself to Martin Luther King Jr. after arrest on assault charges

Walter “Hawk” Newsome turned himself in to the New York Police Department following allegations that he physically assaulted Democratic district leader William Allen during a protest in Harlem last week. Newsome is accused of punching Allen and throwing a bullhorn at him during a rally outside the office of Harlem Councilman Yusef Salaam.

According to the New York Post, the protest centered on Salaam’s decision to revoke $10,000 in community funding from nonprofit leader Tiffany Fulton. Tensions escalated when Salaam’s mother confronted Newsome, who had been shouting the councilman’s name through a bullhorn. Allen, who said he was attending a nearby press conference on solitary confinement, claimed he was an “innocent bystander” and was only attempting to speak with Fulton when Newsome became aggressive, accusing him of bringing Salaam’s mother to the protest.

On Monday, Newsome turned himself in at the precinct with his fist raised as supporters gathered outside in solidarity. Addressing the crowd before entering the building, he likened his arrest to the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

“Recognize this as a step in the right direction. Not only do we fight racism - systemic, black racism - we fight the black faces of systemic oppression,” Newsome said. “Martin Luther King Jr. got locked up 26 times. Right? 26 times for this.”

Allen responded by saying, “I may not have known Dr. King personally, but he’s no Dr. King.”

Newsome was charged with attempted felony assault, attempted misdemeanor assault, and harassment. As officers escorted him from the precinct, he maintained his innocence, declaring that the charges were “false.” As he was let out of the precinct, he claimed he was the victim of “a political attack.”

“I’m not even thinking about the charges. I’m thinking about Al Sharpton, Yusuf Salam, using the same justice system that they promised to fight against, against me,” he said.