We Got You Sis! GoFundMe For Jazmine Headley, Brooklyn Mom Whose Baby Was Ripped From Her Arms, Exceeds Goal

The nation is rallying behind Jazmine Headley, the Brooklyn mother who had her 1-year-old son snatched away from her by police as she was arrested at a food assistance center in Boerum Hill. A GoFundMe set up by Brooklyn Defender Services, who are assisting Headley, has raised more than $30,000 in 23 hours, exceeding its $25,000 goal. The money used will help Headley “pay for child care and other expenses, allowing her to get back to the job and life that is waiting for her,” the campaign reads. Headley was released from Rikers Island on Tuesday night after spending five nights in custody. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez declined to prosecute her, saying that he was “horrified by the violence depicted in the video.” On Tuesday, Scott Hechinger, Director of Policy at Brooklyn Defender Services tweeted out the court proceedings preceding Headley’s release, noting that the judge called the incident a “horrific scene.” “I’m just so grateful to everyone and I’m just happy to be free and I just need to see my boy,” Headley said after her release from Rikers Island, according to CBS News.

Jazmine Headley is a hero. Stoic. Brave. After all she’s been through. To stand confidently in front of this many cameras & speak humbly to the world. Incredible. Her short, powerful, beautiful statement is here. Ends with “I just need to see my boy.” pic.twitter.com/lvM7DNDx3I

— Scott Hechinger (@ScottHech) December 12, 2018

Headley appeared in court on Wednesday regarding a warrant in an unrelated credit card fraud case in New Jersey. The case was dismissed, according to Hechinger.

**NEWS: This morning, Jazmine Headley appeared in Mercer County Court in NJ & as of 10 minutes ago, case is effectively over! Case will automatically be dismissed. The case is resolved & she’s on her way back to Brooklyn. She’s satisfied & gratified the case is behind her.** https://t.co/ntHRR6nb1v

— Scott Hechinger (@ScottHech) December 12, 2018

Earlier this week, footage of Headley having her son, Damone, violently ripped from her arms by police officers at a Human Resources Administration office, caused outrage across the world. According to eyewitnesses, Headley was seated on the floor because she couldn’t find a seat in the crowded office. A security guard at the office called the police, claiming Headley was being “disorderly” and blocking the hallway. https://www.facebook.com/nyashia.ferguson/videos/vb.100001275527374/2165023130216850/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab The “peace” officers involved in the incident have been placed on modified duty. Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks released a statement on Monday saying he was “deeply troubled” by the altercation, noting that social services offices should be “safe havens for New Yorkers needing to access benefits to improve their lives.” Banks said that he would move to retrain staff, security guards and peace officers on de-escalation methods.