Democratic Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has come under scrutiny for what some critics have labeled as “Nixonian tactics” following the admission by her administration that they compiled a list of her most outspoken critics and shared it with local authorities.
The revelation has sparked criticism and raised concerns about potential infringement on free speech and the right to dissent.
We're back to enemies' lists. But I'm sure she's the only one. 🙄🤦♂️
Boston mayor Michelle Wu under fire after sending list of critics and protesters to policehttps://t.co/2UcpAsEhCT
— 🇺🇸 The FJC 🇺🇸 (@The_FJC) July 15, 2023
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Mayor Wu made a statement to the Boston Herald, conveying that the list was created at the request of the Boston Police Department.
The statement highlighted that Wu had been subjected to persistent harassment and physical intimidation by individuals over several months, occurring not only outside her residence but also at various city functions, including the annual neighborhood parks coffee hours and other public events.
According to the spokesperson, the intent behind creating the list was to address the concerns for Wu’s safety and well-being.
The administration acknowledged compiling the document after Wu’s opponents obtained an email through a public records request, revealing the existence of the list.
The tactics employed by the administration have raised significant concerns regarding potential attempts to silence or intimidate Wu’s critics. This is particularly troubling given the fact that many of these critics have actively protested outside of her residence.
Wu’s spokesperson said, “The request (from police) came after many of the individuals on the list repeatedly impeded the Dorchester Day Parade to harass Mayor Wu and her family and staff, yelling through megaphones at her and her children for nearly ninety minutes as they marched in the parade despite being asked by parade organizers to leave the parade route.”
He continued, “Following the Dorchester Day Parade on June 5, 2022, Boston Police met with City staff on June 10 to make a safety plan for the upcoming Bunker Hill Day parade on June 12, and the then-captain of the district overseeing Charlestown asked for a list of individuals who had been involved in public disruption and harassment of the mayor at the Dorchester Day Parade and outside her house. The email was sent as a follow-up immediately after that meeting.”
