NJ mayor rescinds $2,500 police bill issued to teen over Black Lives Matter protest

Emily Gil organized a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in Englewood Cliffs in July, but later unexpectedly received a bill for the police response to that protest.”I was shocked when I read the letter,” she said. “I felt a little disrespected because the tone of the letter was kind of condescending.” The demonstration next to police headquarters had about 30 people in attendance, but it led to a police overtime bill of nearly $2,500.

The Reversal

“I have researched the issue further with my own counsel and I am hereby rescinding the bill, subject to our Council’s ratification of my action,” Mayor Kranjac said. “I always want to make certain that everyone’s Constitutional Rights are fully respected. We will adjust the Borough’s ordinances accordingly.”

Democratic Council members released a statement on Mayor Mario Kranjac’s decision to rescind the bill sent to Emily Gil for hosting the protest: “After causing a national outcry against his tyrannical, blatantly unconstitutional and deeply immoral behavior, Mayor Mario Kranjac is now apparently backing off his demand for a local teenage activist to pay thousands of dollars for organizing a small, peaceful protest against racism. However, he has still refused to apologize and our Borough Council members are still exploring ways to hold the Mayor accountable.