The New York Police Department is investigating a possible poisoning of three officers at a Manhattan Shake Shack after weeks of civil unrest following the death of Minneapolis man, George Floyd, in police custody.
On Monday night it was reported that three officers may have been poisoned at a Manhattan Shake Shack by what may be bleach slipped into their shakes. The officers have been hospitalized, and employees have been questioned, but no arrests have been made. A sample of the shakes was sent for lab results to confirm the possible poison.
New York police unions warned officers to be more aware as public opinion of police reaches critical levels in the city.
The president of the New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association released a statement condemning the alleged poisoning and urging officers to have meals in groups and carefully inspect food for tampering:
All PBA members are advised to carefully inspect any prepared food item they purchase while on duty for possible contamination. Whenever possible, take meal in groups of two or more, and remain vigilant for the duration of the meal period.
When New York City police officers cannot even take meal without coming under attack, it is clear that environment in which we work has deteriorated to a critical level. We cannot afford to let our guard down for even a moment.
https://twitter.com/NYCPBA/status/1272722470492143618
The president of The Detectives’ Endowment Association shared similar outrage surrounding the alleged poisoning, and warning that police officers are being targeted by “vicious criminals who dislike us simple because of the uniform we wear,” and are “emboldened by pandering elected officials”:
We MUST be more vigilant than ever. We urge you to not buy food from locations unknown to you. Keep your eyes open and be alert at all times. Make sure you always stay with your partner — and back one another up. Inspect your vehicle — personal and department — before you drive.
Now, more than ever, we have to be united. Together, is how we will stay safe. Protect yourself and your fellow cops at all costs — and the DEA will always protect you.
Never hesitate to contact your delegate, trustee, or the DEA office with any concerns.
While Black Lives Matter protests continue throughout much of the West, public opinion of police continues to deteriorate to the point where the protesters’ calls to abolish the police are being met with some success. In Minneapolis, police are set to be replaced with a “Community-Led Public Safety System.”
