NYC Subway Musician Goes Down Singing During Arrest for Legal Performance

Coppers will escalate, but I do like the reaction of the others. Video cell phones are teaching about the abuses of police and the proper reaction to such by civilians.

The beginning of the clip sees a police officer asking singer/guitarist Andrew Kalleen to leave the Metropolitan Ave G Train platform, citing his lack of permit. Kalleen refuses, rightly arguing that he doesn't need a permit to perform, and eventually, the cop reads section 1050.6(c) of the New York City Transit Authority's rules of conduct aloud.

Except as expressly permitted in this subdivision, no person shall engage in any nontransit uses upon any facility or conveyance. Nontransit uses are noncommercial activities that are not directly related to the use of a facility or conveyance for transportation. The following nontransit uses are permitted by the Authority, provided they do not impede transit activities and they are conducted in accordance with these rules: public speaking; campaigning; leafletting or distribution of written noncommercial materials; activities intended to encourage and facilitate voter registration; artistic performances, including the acceptance of donations.

The rule clearly states that artistic performance is permitted, but after some squabbling, Kalleen, who continues singing throughout, is arrested anyway.





(via Gawker)

-RW