Cops arrest three at Queensbridge Park after impromptu memorial for local rapper King Shooter

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NYPD Officers block an entrance to Queensbridge Park. Photo courtesy of CJ Wojtowski

NYPD Officers block an entrance to Queensbridge Park. Photo courtesy of CJ Wojtowski

By David Brand

UPDATE May 5, 2020 at 6:55 p.m. — NYPD officers arrested three people in Queensbridge Park for violating social distancing orders.

An impromptu vigil for a 24-year-old Queensbridge rapper who died Tuesday prompted NYPD officers to seal off a local park and arrest three individuals for violating social distancing orders.

After news spread about the death of emerging rapper William Daniels, who went by the name King Shooter, residents gathered inside some buildings in the sprawling Queensbridge Houses to mourn. Daniels, known for his work with close friend and collaborator Dave East, reportedly died from complications of the coronavirus. He released his debut album, “Still Outside,” last month.

The NYPD broke up the gatherings in the apartment buildings and courtyards, said tenant Ray Normandeau, who runs the NYCHA news site Normandeau Newswire.

Mourners then headed to Queensbridge Park, NYPD officers told the Eagle.

Officers learned of a group of about 50 people walking near 40th Avenue and 10th Street, about a block from the park, and intervened, police said. Mayor Bill de Blasio has empowered the NYPD to break up gatherings in order to promote social distancing and stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Dozens of NYPD officers blocked entrances to the park, according to passersby. 

Local resident CJ Wojtowski was in the park and said he heard people playing rap music before cops began “swarming.”

“The cops started swarming and drove up and parked all over sidewalks so that bikers had to swerve,” said Wojtowski, who shared photos of the cops’ response on Twitter and with the Eagle.

Earlier in the day, city officials had distributed masks to residents in the park, which is located within the largest public housing complex in the United States.

LISTEN TO KING SHOOTER: