The Tompkins Square Park riot occurred in New York City's East Village. It began as a protest against a new 1 a.m. curfew imposed on the park, which had been overrun by various groups, including homeless people and squatters. The protest escalated into a violent clash between police and demonstrators, with widespread allegations of police brutality. Over 100 complaints were filed, leading to criticism of the NYPD's handling of the situation, including an editorial by The New York Times titled "Yes, a Police Riot."