NYC Lawmaker Wants to End Fines for Spitting After Arrest Sparks Backlash

A Brooklyn arrest over an alleged spitting violation is fueling a new push to change one of New York City’s quality-of-life rules.

Gothamist reported Friday, September 25, that New York City councilmember Chris Banks is preparing legislation to remove spitting from the city’s litter rules.

The proposal follows the arrest of Abdoulaye Traore, 21, in Brownsville, on September 19.

The arrest video reviewed by the outlet showed officers issuing Traore a summons before the encounter turned physical.

The outlet reported that during the arrest, an officer is later seen grabbing him by the collar, taking him to the ground, and placing him in handcuffs.

“We all want clean and safe and orderly neighborhoods, but we want to make sure that it’s not at the expense of people’s dignity,” Banks told the outlet. “And it can’t be an excuse for the unnecessary or disproportionate confrontations that we’re seeing.”

NYPD spokesperson Brad Weekes told Gothamist that body-camera footage showed Traore spit once and receive a warning. According to Weekes, Traore spit again, which compelled officers to begin writing him a ticket.

Ronda Langhorne, who recorded the incident, described Traore as “tired” and “exhausted,” rather than aggressive. “At no point [did] this young man fold his fists,” she said.

Langhorne also called for the law itself to be reconsidered. “There’s more serious things for us to deal with instead of just to spit in the street.”

Traore was charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration and second-degree harassment.

According to court records viewed by Globe, Traore pleaded not guilty.

Gothamist reported that court records show he was released without bail.

Banks’ proposal remains in the drafting stage and has not yet been formally introduced.