CRAN: Governor Sherrill and State Police are Violating Protesters’ First Amendment Rights at Delaney Hall

Two Gen-Z members of CRAN leadership among 46 protesters arrested outside of the “curfew zone” around Delaney Hall

NEWARK, NJ — Last night, the New Jersey State Police, acting under the direction of Governor Mikie Sherrill and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, arrested 46 protesters in Newark outside Delaney Hall, including two members of the Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey (CRAN) leadership team.

Those arrested were more than half-a-mile from Delaney Hall, outside of the curfew zone. The detainees are being held at Essex County Jail next door to Delaney Hall; they have not been booked, processed, or allowed a phone call or legal representation since last night. Among those arrested are Kayleigh, CRAN's Ecology Director, and Josie, CRAN's wildlife photographer.

CRAN Executive Director Ben Dziobek has been on the ground at Delaney Hall this week as State Police, alongside masked ICE agents, deployed tear gas and other munitions against demonstrators. State officials have not engaged with the community organizations present at the scene to coordinate de-escalation, and have not responded to requests for information about the conditions and charges facing those being held.

“What’s happening outside Delaney Hall is a clear and consistent violation of our First Amendment rights and puts everyone in New Jersey at risk," said Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of CRAN. “Governor Sherrill’s decision to violently shut down protests, publicly disparage us as ‘outside actors,’ and blatantly lie about what’s happening is making the situation worse and giving the Trump administration more than enough cover to send in the feds.

“Everyone can see the videos online of State Police tear-gassing and arresting medics, journalists, and elderly community members standing up for their neighbors. There’s no way to spin this.

“This is a reprehensible use of state resources and a huge distraction from what’s happening inside Delaney Hall. We should be working together to meet the demands of the hunger strikers. Until then, and until Delaney Hall is shut down for good, these protests will continue.”

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About Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey (CRAN)
Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey (CRAN) is New Jersey's largest Gen-Z political organizer. CRAN promotes the social welfare of communities across New Jersey by advancing equitable, evidence-based climate policies, building civic power, and mobilizing a diverse generation of advocates to address the climate crisis.