Terrell Harper, a well-known NYPD protester also called “Relly Rebel,” has been cleared of all charges after being falsely accused of trying to break into a police officer’s home in Brooklyn.
Harper was arrested in September 2024 following a protest but recent video footage proved his innocence. Prosecutors officially dropped all charges against him on May 23, 2025, nearly eight months after the incident.
The Arrest and Initial Accusations
The incident began after a subway shootout in Brooklyn, where police fired at a suspect, unintentionally injuring two bystanders. Harper and others protested outside the 73rd Precinct in Brownsville on September 22, 2024.
Harper claimed that a police officer had physically handled protesters, which led him to find the officer’s home address and organise a rally there the next evening.
Police accused Harper of several crimes, including:
- Burglary
- Coercion
- Inciting to riot
- Aggravated harassment
- Criminal mischief
- Tampering
- Arson
- Menacing
They also said he lit a hat on fire and threw it over the officer’s fence.
Video Evidence Clears Harper
After reviewing video recordings of the protest, prosecutors dropped all charges. Harper said the videos show that protesters did not kick doors, damage property, or act violently.
“It was all lies,” Harper told the New York Daily News. “Nobody did any of that. It was just a way to stop me from protesting.”
He also mentioned that the police officer appeared relaxed and even laughed during the protest, contradicting claims that he and his family were threatened.
Wider Implications and Reactions
Assemblyman Michael Reilly and the Police Benevolent Association used the case to push for stricter laws protecting police officers and their families. Reilly supports making stalking police officers a separate crime to prevent future incidents.
“This is a prime example why such laws are needed,” Reilly said. “Until we pass these laws, our police officers remain at risk.”
What Harper Says Now
Harper believes he was targeted because of his protest activities and feels relieved that the charges are dropped. Despite the ordeal, he seems ready for future protests, as suggested by his social media posts.