A Black Lives Matter event reportedly “spiraled out of hand” and became a massive rave in Brooklyn, New York, where clubs remain closed because of restrictions meant to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Videos of the Saturday night event show hundreds of people dancing under the Kosciuszko Bridge in Greenpoint, a Brooklyn neighborhood, Insider reported. The event was initially framed as a Black Lives Matter protest, with an Instagram post advertising the event using hashtags such as #f—12, #f—karen, and #blacktranslivesmatter, but sources told Guest of a Guest that it “spiraled out of hand” into a rave.
Some of the DJs were seen wearing face masks, according to Insider, but social distancing requirements were not followed.
Despite social distancing guidelines and state capacity limitations for events, mass protests and even riots have been taking place in the city since the death of George Floyd in May. Mayor Bill de Blasio banned large gatherings in the city until September, with the exception of Black Lives Matter protests.
“This is a particular moment in American history where 400 years of oppression, 400 years of racism are being addressed in a very, very powerful way that can’t compare to anything else,” he said in July, “and people’s voices needed to be heard.”
One DJ, Mike Simonetti, refused to play during the spontaneous rave because his own father died of the coronavirus.
“I saw it as a disrespect to both my mother and everyone else who is going through what she went through,” Simonetti said, according to Insider. “Imagine being married for 50 years and not being able to see your husband on his death bed.”
On July 20, New York City entered its fourth phase of reopening. Indoor venues such as bars, restaurants, and entertainment establishments remain closed in the city.
“We are still seeing issues, not just in the bars and restaurants but all across the country — you’re seeing these inside, interior spaces, air-conditioned spaces, where the virus is tending to spread,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in July. “So, we will take that precaution in New York City.”
