Molotov ma’s love
In emotional chat, tells jailed att’y to ‘stay strong’
One of the lawyers accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail into an empty NYPD cruiser earlier this month during chaotic Brooklyn protests exchanged tender words with her mother from jail during a public teleconference court hearing Monday.
“I love you, Roojie. I love you, Roojie,” said the mother of Urooj Rahman, 31, who is accused of hurling the incendiary device into an empty NYPD car in Fort Greene on May 30 during raucous antipolice brutality protests.
“I love you, Mom,” Rahman (inset) responded each time.
The exchange came at the end of a rowdy, open-to-thepublic teleconference court hearing where Rahman pleaded not guilty to all seven charges against her — including arson and destruction of NYPD property.
She faces up to life in prison if convicted, along with fellow Brooklyn attorney Colinford Mattis, 32, who is accused of driving Rahman away from the scene after she allegedly threw the Molotov cocktail.
More than 300 people called into the arraignment for the brief court appearance for Rahman, who is being held at Brooklyn’s federal jail.
“Would people please mute their phones? I cannot hear …” said Federal Magistrate Judge Cheryl Pollak, trailing off as background street noises overpowered the conference call.
“Guys, this is not difficult. Please mute your phones,” said Paul Schectman, Rahman’s defense lawyer.
After the judge and lawyers left the call, dozens of friends and supporters of Rahman — including her mother and some nieces and nephews — stayed on the line a few minutes longer to offer her words of encouragement.
“Stay strong, Urooj,” one said.
“I love you, Urooj, said another.
“Love you, guys,” Rahman said. “Thank you for all your support.”
“I’m staying strong,” she added.
Rahman and Mattis have been jailed for weeks at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center while a federal appeals court determines whether the duo is eligible for bail.
Rahman and Mattis were taking part in a massive protest in the name of George Floyd, a black man killed by a white Minneapolis cop on May 25, when they allegedly targeted the empty NYPD cruiser.