Arrests Possible in Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's 2023 NYC Car Chase Incident
New details have emerged about the May 2023 car chase involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that have vindicated the couple after the British press and internet trolls claimed that the couple had exaggerated their safety concerns following the incident.
At the time of the event, a representative for Meghan and Harry described the incident as lasting for hours and being potentially catastrophic, putting the couple, Meghan's mother, and other drivers on the road at risk. In the immediate aftermath, the couple was accused of being hyperbolic and overly nervous.
Given that there are members of the British media who are always looking for a reason to find fault with the pair, the story spread that the incident was overblown. But a recently released report from the NYPD now makes it clear that Meghan and Harry were telling the truth all along.
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The NYPD found evidence of 'persistently dangerous and unacceptable behavior' by paparazzi that night.
According to documents obtained by the Daily Beast, a review of the events of May 16, 2023, by the NYPD found that Meghan and Harry were the victims of a "dangerous" car chase by a group of aggressive paparazzi. A letter, which was sent to British law enforcement personnel on December 6, 2023, also confirmed that the NYPD would offer Harry and Meghan a higher level of security for future visits, because of the clear safety concern.
The letter, written by NYPD Chief of Intelligence John B. Hart, explained that "We found the following: reckless disregard of vehicle and traffic laws and persistently dangerous and unacceptable behavior on the part of the paparazzi during the night in question. The individuals operated vehicles, scooters, and bicycles in a manner that forced the security team, which included an NYPD Lead Car, to take evasive actions on several occasions and a circuitous route to avoid being struck by pursuing vehicles or trapped on side blocks."
Evidence for possible arrests also was mentioned.
In addition to confirming that Harry and Meghan's belief that the incident could have ended badly, the letter from Hart further confirms that it was serious enough that it could have resulted in arrests. "Our conclusion, upon review with the Manhattan District Attorney's office, is that we have sufficient evidence to arrest two individuals for reckless endangerment," he explained to the Metropolitan Police in London.
Interestingly, this letter also stands as a correction to the initial NYPD response to the event, which tried to minimize what happened by noting there weren't any accidents or injuries connected to the chase.
The British government still continues to refuse Harry's demands for security protection.
The NYPD letter was released following a losing judgement in Harry's lawsuit against the British government. Harry had filed suit in Britain to have automatic protection for himself and his family whenever they visit the UK from their home in California.
Despite the clear safety risks facing the couple in both the US and UK, the British government stripped the pair of their protection in 2020, following their decision to step back as working members of the royal family. British High Court judge Peter Lane upheld the decision by the UK government on Wednesday. Specifically, he noted that the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures had the authority to downgrade his security.
A representative quoted by People Magazine reported that Harry will appeal the decision, stating "In February 2020, RAVEC failed to apply its written policy to The Duke of Sussex and excluded him from a particular risk analysis. The Duke’s case is that the so-called 'bespoke process' that applies to him, is no substitute for that risk analysis. The Duke of Sussex hopes he will obtain justice from the Court of Appeal and makes no further comment while the case is ongoing."
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
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