“The NYPD cannot single out Muslims, or people police perceive to be Muslims, for bag checks.”
They don’t, of course. Over a period of several years, I was stopped and my bag searched by the NYPD every time I rode the Amtrak train from Penn Station, which was quite frequently. Every time. One time I started laughing, to the considerable annoyance of the testy NYPD officer who was searching my bag. She demanded to know why I was laughing, and I explained that it was because I was stopped and searched every time I rode the train — which only annoyed her further. But it never occurred to me to call the ACLU and claim that the NYPD was singling out “Islamophobes” for special screening. The upshot of Hesham El-Meligy’s complaint, and lawsuit if he files one, is that it will make the NYPD and other law enforcement officials afraid to subject Muslims to any kind of scrutiny at all, which would allow jihadists to operate unhindered. Is that what Hesham El-Meligy wants? If not, how does he propose to stop jihadists if not by methods such as the one that inconvenienced him?
“Activist is handcuffed after refusing Staten Island Ferry bag check,” by Kyle Lawson, Staten Island Advance, March 9, 2017:
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A religious and political activist on Staten Island claims he was placed in handcuffs, frisked and issued two summonses by NYPD officers based on the way he looks.
Hesham El-Meligy, a Muslim who was born in Egypt, was temporarily detained and searched by police at about 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Staten Island Ferry terminal in St. George, after he refused a random bag check.
After a search of his backpack, he was issued summonses for trespassing and disorderly conduct and allowed on to the ferry, police said Thursday.
El-Meligy, founder of the Islamic Civic Association on Staten Island and chairman of the Staten Island Libertarian Party, said he believes the bag check wasn’t so random.
He took to Facebook hours after the incident, saying he felt singled out because his Egyptian heritage.
“I have no doubt that many (people) are in fact stopped randomly, but the manner this was done in my particular case made it feel different,” said El-Meligy.
He said there were at least five people in front of him carrying purses and backpacks when an NYPD officer walked in to the crowd, extended his arm and ordered him to a table for a bag search.
“I said ‘no thank you,’ said El-Meligy. “He replied that he’s not asking me, but telling me, and I replied again, ‘no, thank you.'”
A spokeswoman for the NYPD said there’s no set guidelines as to which passengers are selected, such as every fifth or tenth person.
“There’s no science to it,” said Det. Kellyann Ort. “It’s like flipping a coin.”
She said El-Meligy was not personally selected.
“Many other people had their bags checked during that same time frame.”
But El-Meligy argued police were in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
The Amendment protects the right of the people against “unreasonable searches and seizures… and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause.”
NYPD policy states a passenger is not required to hand over their bag, however, they would have to find an alternate form of transportation.
A policy that El-Meligy said also is a rights violation.
“It is an infringement of my right to travel freely without molestation and due process of the law.”…
In an emailed statement from the New York Civil Liberties Union in regard to the incident, Associate Legal Director Christopher Dunn wrote the following:
“The NYPD cannot single out Muslims, or people police perceive to be Muslims, for bag checks.”
El-Meligy said Thursday he was in the process of seeking legal counsel….
He said after he was searched, he engaged in dialogue with the officers about how the ferry terminal is a “government (public) travel facility, not a privately owned building where the owner has the right to discriminate against who they allow in.”
“We engaged in a deeper discussion about this and related issues, and at the end I hugged the few officers who were there and told them again that it is not personal.”
Tomas Rader says
Yeah Egyptians CAIR Muslim brotherhood types are very insecure since being overthrown in Egypt. He can just return to Egypt n be totally free again.
Naj says
This is exactly how they set it up, so that the police become afraid to check their bags, then who knows what they will transport on the trains.
Thomas F Gibson says
You are exactly correct. This is so transparent to me, that I wonder that those that claim otherwise must be part of the scam. Cry foul at every turn to get the masses to ignore, no be afraid, to single out the most deadly religious group on the planet today.
These guys are very clever and are being coached to act in this most devious manner. This was another example of a well thought out plan to get publicity and to put the spotlight in a negative manner on the NYPD.
Rhetorical question: what happened in New York on 11 September 2001? We as a nation seem to have forgotten the people leaping to their death from the windows of those buildings!!!
So sad that only a few of us here remember that we are facing a new world war undertaken by the most heinous group of religious zealots known to humanity.
Si vis pacem, parabellum. It has been a while since we have experienced a terrorist attack; I wonder what is next?
gravenimage says
Here’s my 9/11 memorial piece, Always Remember, Never Submit:
http://s478.photobucket.com/user/gravenimageartist/media/AlwaysRemember.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1
Frank says
We do not need your Muslim nonsense in Staten Island in which the majority of the population is conservatives. HELLO 9/11 and WTC 1993 main terrorist Egyptian.
Brenrod says
Muslims are trouble, keep them out.
john spielman says
put him on a NO FERRY list
Angemon says
I think I’ve found the source of the problem: he’s an “activist”. It’s not some random person feeling they were persecuted, it’s an “activist” – someone who campaigns for a cause/change.. And seeing how he’s a “religious” and “political” activist, it should surprise no one that he’s claiming persecution based on religious grounds. I don’t know how many people have their bags checked on their way to the ferry – are all of those people muslims being singled out?
“NYPD policy states a passenger is not required to hand over their bag, however, they would have to find an alternate form of transportation.
A policy that El-Meligy said also is a rights violation.
“It is an infringement of my right to travel freely without molestation and due process of the law.””
“Right to travel freely without molestation”? Try getting onto a plane without a ticket and see how far you travel – is the necessity of having a valid ticket in order to travel not infringing on your” right to travel freely”? Next time a cop pulls you over and asks for your drivers license try saying “I don’t have a driver’s licence because the necessity of having a drivers licence is an infringement on my right to travel freely”.
Anyway, who’s preventing you from travelling freely? Use another means of transportation – “freedom of travel” means you can’t be prohibited of travelling from one place to another without a justifiable restriction, not that you’re entitled to a means of transportation. If the ferry doesn’t want to take people who refuse to have their bags checked and you don’t want to have your bag checked, then use another means of transportation.
Sharon says
Hey nice try Fat Fuck .
Deport his trouble causing ASS.
Back to shitistan Maybe ISIS will take care of all his woes with Western Nations checking bags Markets are regularly bombed over there In shitistan killing hundreds a day ..
Melita says
I liked your comment. Smiles. Linda
ermom says
Disgraceful. Hey there, ‘moderate Muslims’. You want respect? Act like it. Cooperate, just as AMERICANS have to do. Remember 9/11? WE DO.
I’ll NEVER forget my mother, with end stage Alzheimer’s, and my last flight to come to Wa. state from Miami. Mom was in a wheelchair, as she had trouble walking, had NO short term memory, etc. I had a letter from her neurologist, to the TSA, giving her diagnosis and mental status and requesting that they ‘be gentle with her, as she doesn’t and won’t understand commands or what’s going on’. ‘Be GENTLE’. Right. I gave the letter to the TSA agent, a black woman, who then proceeded to smirk and start man-handling my mother, who began screaming. I asked her to stop, which she didn’t, and then asked her to call her supervisor, to which she replied, in a horrid tone of voice, ‘I AM THE SUPERVISOR’. I knew if I even put my arm in front of my mom, and the agent touched me, I’d probably be arrested for battery on a federal officer, and even if the video of the situation didn’t disappear, minimally I’d be locked up for a while, until the mess was straightened out. Who would be taking care of my beloved mother? (No family in Miami, which is why we were moving.) She hurt my mother for 8 minutes, with my mom screaming the entire time, and people staring at what was going on. I did NOT have a cell phone to record it.
The entire time this was going on, a Muslim woman in her floor length gown, and hijab, was standing, not even 25 ft. from us, with a smirk, and pursed lips, while SHE PATTED HERSELF, AROUND THE NECK OF THE HIJAB.
My mother ended up WITH BRUISES from that agent’s handling. Oh, I wrote a letter to the TSA. No apology, just they’d ‘look into it’. Never heard anything else, & I was too busy dealing with the last months of my mother’s life as her sole caretaker, to even consider suing. I should have.
no_one says
Sorry to hear this. You have a valid reason to complain. The guy from the paper doesn’t. I don’t remember being randomly searched, but could happen.
Shmooviyet says
What a SICK and terrible thing for your Mother and for you.
This entire country seemed to have rolled over post 9/11. The US got what it had coming, then afterward had a whole lot of apologizing to islam to do.
Disgusting beyond words.
Cecilia Ellis says
Shmooviyet wrote: “This entire country seemed to have rolled over post 9/11. The US got what it had coming, then afterward had a whole lot of apologizing to islam to do.”
Shmooviyet, I disagree with your comment for the following reasons:
1. While some Amercans — political, religious, judicial and academic leaders — have deferred to the mantra, “Islam is a religion of peace,” many have not. Examples of the dissenting Americans fill our military, our law enforcement agencies, our intelligence bureaus, our health care professions, our emergency response elements, and the marketplace of everyday citizens. Indeed, many who stand firm against appeasement to Islamic supremacy battle daily to educate those who do not, as exemplified by Jihad Watch and other valiant websites.
2. The United States did not deserve to have 3000 of its citizens killed in an hour on September 11, 2001. Since that day, many more American lives have been lost as the battle against “religion of peace” devotees continues.
I do agree, as do you, that TSA treatment of Ermom’s mother was, at best, disgusting . . . and continues to be so. Hopefully, continuation of such unwarranted mistreatment will be replaced soon by common sense.
gravenimage says
Agreed, Cecilia.
Thomas says
2.996 dead, 6,000 injured, $10 billion in property and infrastructure damage, and $3 TRILLION in total costs [Carter, Shan: Cox, A.”One 9/11 Tally:$3.3Trillion]
Poor Muslims; we are so unkind to their plight!!
Wake up America, lest we face another 9/11………………………
WE are at war…..
gravenimage says
Yes–I remember your telling this story before, ermom. Just disgraceful. I also had to travel with my mother by airplane under just the same circumstances–luckily, the TSA agents we dealt with were decent and professional.
Carolyne says
I believe what you say about your mother’s treatment by the TSA “Supervisor,” and it seems that they employ the most inept people with a control problem. I was travelling with my elderly sister-in-law who was in a wheelchair when the agent forced her to stand, which she could hardly do, they groped her and even checked the bottom of her feet. They did not physically harm her, but she was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s and they frightened her terribly. She was gray-haired with blue eyes, a frail little woman from Maine. There was no reason for her treatment whatsoever.
I have been spoken to gruffly by those power mad agents and I have been groped. I do not dress nor do I look middle-eastern. They just enjoy harassing people who at that moment are under their power.
Anne Smith says
How absolutely disgusting, but I can well believe it. It is the same here in UK. We were subjected to shoes off, belts off, coats, jackets, cardigans off, and everything they could examine, they did. At the same time a group of “traditionally” garbed Muslims were waved through.
When my husband asked why they were not being searched he was told “we are keeping an eye on them”.
When I asked how many Englishwomen had blown up aircraft I was told they were not going to answer a racist question.
Emilie Green says
I had always wondered where the children of Private Duane Doberman went to live.
Search, Images Private Duane Doberman
Michael Warden says
No need. I am sure Sgt. Ernie Bilko has all details.
Guy Macher says
Muslim barrows carrying copies of the US Constitution are looking for a confrontation. He got what he was looking for.
Em says
It would be interesting to talk to the other passengers who were around him–did his demeanour or behaviour somehow call attention to himself so that he would be picked?
Westman says
This is just an inevitable conflict of the state’s need for secutity versus religious exceptionalism. Security is more important than egoistic religious identity. Allah is not a ferry passenger – Hesham El-Meligy is.
gravenimage says
Westman, we wouldn’t face this degree of security if it were not for the threat of Muslim terrorism. I can remember how much more relaxed it was to travel pre-9/11. You would not have to have your bags searched while boarding ferries or trains or going to ballgames, and even airplane security was much less.
And airplane security was only as comparatively strict as it was because of the threat of hijacking–a threat largely from Muslims, as well.
Jaladhi says
Oh sure, everything for Muslims is Islamophobia – perhaps even the sight of other infidels incites Islampphobia. Morons!
davej says
Due to the fact that Muslims are responsible for 90% of terror attacks they should expect to be “singled out”. It’s called logic. If they don’t like it they should concentrate on speaking out against their fellow religionists and call for reform of the jihad ideology. Instead they just whine about being “victims”.
Anne Smith says
The Israelis are not so stupid. They do passenger profiling. El Al is the safest airline in the world today.
Stan Lee says
El-Meligy should be thankful that the NYPD is alert as they are. They won’t forget the Twin Towers and how many police and fire fighters were lost on 9/11. Despite that Mayor of NYC, the NYPD is a good police force.
The poor, harassed El-Meligy stated that he goes through NYPD search each time he takes the Staten Island Ferry, so attentive to risk are the NYPD officers.
He should try taking “that other ferry.” The one that leaves New York for Cairo, Egypt.
Irene Brekelmans says
Twice already I was selected with a few other people to go a different route than others. We were brought to a different room, had to stand there and wait and then one by one had to spread our legs, arms wide and they searched us thoroughly. Not for our pleasure and not to really our liking, but we understood why it had to be done and I am from Europe, blond hair, blue eyes and I totally agree what Jas said, This is all happening because of you muslim people who always play the victim role and find something to complain about. You people created all the hassle, so it would be very nice if you kept your insinuations to yourself.
I guarantee you this will fall back on you and don’t think for one moment that you get away with all this.
You “peacefull people !!!!!!!
Shmooviyet says
Seems to me you were picked because of your appearance. Must make this look fair. Check especially those blond blue-eyed, elderly in wheelchairs, babies in diapers. “We Don’t Discriminate”.
Oh, a security check is against your religion? Here is your “self-security-check” diagram, with our apologies.
Shmooviyet says
Oh sure. Doesn’t EVERYone answer “No thank you” when asked by TSA or other security for a bag check??
They just laugh, and let you on your way– provided you’re not ‘perceived to be muslim’, whatever the he.. that means.
He ended up hugging up with the officers saying “it’s not personal”. Was he referring to the suit he was already planning?
kaboooooooooooooooooooooooooom says
That be one fat ugly moslims “Activist”. If I be near it boarding the Ferry and hear it speak and refuse normal search requirements, I reckon I develop an instant case of “Islamaphobia”. Aloha Snackbar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Noah T says
I have been to the S I Ferry several times. There are bomb sniffing dogs at the entrance to the ferry and they sniff everyone’s suitcase briefcase etc…
Muslims consider dogs Haram. This Muslim probably didn’t want a dog to put his nose in his suitcase and therefore was singled out for special treatment.
This whole system had to be put in place because of Islamic terrorism.
Carolyne says
A dog’s nose touching anything a Muslim owns or the Muslim himself, would only make the Muslim better. The poor dog, however, would wonder why he was being punished being forced to encounter a sub-human.
mortimer says
What’s the big deal? EVERYONE knows the ISLAMIC TERRORISM has NOTHING to do with Islam…
… and that ISLAM has NOTHING to do with ISLAM!
Carolyne says
And even saying “Islam has nothing to do with Islam,” means ” ‘Islam has nothing to do with Islam’ has nothing to do with Islam.” Ok, I confused myself.
goldie says
Simple solution, check every body!!! Jerk should try getting into and buying a beer at Yankee Stadium. Everybody is checked and carded. Happens all the time.
gravenimage says
Muslim claims “Islamophobia” after being handcuffed for refusing Staten Island Ferry bag check
……………………
What crap. I’ve had my bags searched while boarding trains, and at ballparks in the US the bag of every single patron is searched before they can enter the park.
afrostreetwise says
When Muslims see an opportunity to exploit a situation , they will-no matter how obnoxious they become in the process. They also have the artistry and support of the elites to portray themselves as victims of circumstances even as they make every one else mad. Their religion is one life long training in exploitation and other evils.
Michael Ray says
I thought New Yoikers were so “tough”. Now they’re hugging it out and having a dialogue with that guy! Absolutely revolting. I guess NY will go down in history as “The city that would not defend itself”.
somehistory says
He throws out “legal” terms…due process and fourth amendment…but he seems to forget there are legal random searches by government and there is the “suspicious persons” thingy police officers use to do a Terry stop and frisk. When he refused to comply, he became “suspicious.”
And once he is cuffed, he’s in custody and can be searched legally w/o warrant.
Question him on the reasons for the hugging…was it to pickpocket? It certainly works against his “case”.
Just looking at him is enough to wish him back to Egypt where authorities do as they please.
Carolyne says
His bag needed to be searched, not because he looks Muslim, but because he looks like a chipmunk.
Dave says
Islamofascist attempts to employ Muslim privilege in dry run of plot to blow up ferry.
somehistory says
And gain money and attention in the process. Gotta’ make it look like he’s the victim, get him some cash and make a name for himself in the news, and at the same time, see how far a bombing of the ferry plot can go.
gravenimage says
Muslims are *constantly* testing security and running dry runs.