An anti-police activist, Harry Heymann, was taken into custody after an altercation with the Secret Service detail protecting Vice President Kamala Harris' stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, in Tribeca, New York.

Heymann was apprehended by NYPD officers after damaging license plates on two Secret Service vehicles included in Emhoff's detail, sparking the man's arrest, as the New York Post reports.

Incident Unfolds in Tribeca

The incident began around 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday outside a restaurant in Tribeca where Emhoff was having lunch.

Harry Heymann, a local resident known for his activism against police misconduct, confronted the Secret Service agents assigned to Emhoff's protection. The agents were stationed outside the restaurant when Heymann approached.

Heymann, who was wearing a black shirt, initially did not realize that the men he was confronting were Secret Service agents.

Heated Confrontation and Arrest

During the confrontation, Heymann allegedly tore off the license plate covers from two black SUVs belonging to the Secret Service.

The NYPD was subsequently called to the scene, and Emhoff was quickly evacuated from the restaurant and placed into one of the SUVs for safety. Heymann was detained by the Secret Service agents until the NYPD arrived and formally arrested him.

Official Charges and Previous Activism

Heymann faces charges of second-degree obstruction of governmental administration and fourth-degree criminal mischief. According to authorities, he has no prior arrests.

The altercation and subsequent arrest are not Heymann's first public dispute over license plate issues. On July 9, he posted on social media criticizing the NYPD for not addressing an obscured license plate incident in the same area.

In his post, Heymann expressed his frustration, stating, “Apparently driving around in a ghost car is perfectly fine with @NYPD1Pct if you’ve got a fireman’s placard and blue tape on your truck,” along with photos of the incident.

Secret Service Response to the Incident

A Secret Service spokesperson issued a statement regarding the incident, confirming that it occurred without provocation and resulted in damage to the rear license plate area of the two vehicles.

“On Tuesday afternoon, an individual approached two United States Secret Service vehicles parked in lower Manhattan and, without provocation, caused damage to the rear license plate area of both,” the spokesperson said. They further added, “Secret Service Agents quickly detained the individual until local authorities arrived and placed the individual into police custody. At no point was any protectee in danger as a result of this incident.”

Reactions and Context

The Secret Service has been under scrutiny recently following an attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. This incident has placed additional pressure on the Secret Service to ensure the safety of those under their protection.

Ella Emhoff, who was in the restaurant at the time of the altercation, is the stepdaughter of second gentleman Doug Emhoff and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Tribeca, known for its trendy restaurants and upscale living, rarely sees such high-tension incidents involving high-profile security details.

Heymann's Background

Heymann’s actions were fueled by his longstanding frustration with law enforcement practices, particularly those related to improper parking and misuse of parking placards by NYPD officers.

Despite his confrontational approach, Heymann had not been arrested prior to this incident. His arrest has brought renewed attention to his cause and the broader debate over law enforcement accountability.

Heymann’s social media presence reflects his dedication to these issues, as evidenced by his previous posts critiquing the NYPD.

Conclusion

Summarizing all aspects, Harry Heymann was arrested on Tuesday after a heated altercation with the Secret Service outside a Tribeca restaurant where Ella Emhoff was dining.

Heymann damaged license plates on two Secret Service vehicles, leading to his arrest by the NYPD. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activists highlighting police conduct.