Uh oh...
16 Arrested in Raid on Popular NY Gay Bar -AP wire services
New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly announced this morning that
a raid on a landmark gay bar, the Eagle, resulted in the arrest of sixteen
men engaged in what Kelly called "explicit and unsafe homosexual acts."
Police moved in on earlier reports that club security was lax or absent on
it's popular "Pork Night" event, well-known among the city's gay community.
"Most of the activity was on the second floor and rooftop deck," said Kelly,
adding that there was a military-style tent set up on the roof, with a full
bar, "in plain view of neighboring buildings and a parking facility across
the street."
"We've had reports of this sort of activity [at the Eagle] in the past, but
until last night
it's been unsubstantiated. Enough is enough," said Kelly, "we're tired of
the debauchery that has followed this place for decades," referring to the
original location of the bar on New York's west side.
The club was among many referenced in the 1971 film "Cruising," where raw
man-sex and associated violence was the norm.
Among those arrested were a middle school principal from Connecticut, a
Catholic priest, and two New York City police officers. "I don't care what
your profession is, if you're violating the law, we're going to get you,"
said an obviously angered Kelly. The defendants were scheduled to be
arraigned in Manhattan District Court this morning.
Let the backlash begin.
**UPDATE 4-2** This was apparently an April Fool's prank by my friend Richie Rizzo. Nice one, baby.
I'm disappointed in Charlie's answer bringing me into this April Fools prank. I strive hard to provide a very fun party while maintaining within the bounds of the law. Yes, men sometimes get crazy in the bar, but they are immediastely stopped by the staff of The Eagle and my staff has never violated this trust of this bar or any other. Charlie, quit pointing figures and rubbernecking. See you tomorrow....LOL AT
Posted by: AaronTanner | Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 06:37 PM
Now this is how urban legends get started... Funny post...
Posted by: The Rock | Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 08:41 PM
Wow. That nearly scared me for a minute. That was a good prank! Wow. Nice blog.
R-
Posted by: Ridor | Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 04:16 PM
April fools prank??
I'm trying to remember who told me about that... But, the other night (and I think it was before April 1), the Eagle in Dallas was raided too. I'm not sure how many people were arrested -- but it was the same deal. I don't think it waas in the news -- and I doubt I know anyone that was there. (or, at least they wouldn't tell me they were there...)
Um, so maybe it's true and they're doing that everywhere?
Who knows...
Posted by: Jordan | Monday, April 05, 2004 at 06:29 PM
Did you make this up? Are you sure it wasn't an Aaron Tanner theme night? Y'know, Fetish: SexBust! If it's true, it's crazy. Like that place needs another overweight guy in a uniform weilding handcuffs...
Posted by: Charlie | Friday, April 02, 2004 at 11:07 AM