Cop Films People Leaving Drake Apollo Show In Harlem, Questions Linger

HARLEM, NY — A cop stationed outside Harlem's iconic Apollo Theater filmed audiences leaving a Drake concert Saturday night, raising concerns about police surveillance and even spurring comment from Mayor Eric Adams.

Controversy began with a video tweet from New York Times reporter Job Caramanica that showed an officer in a blue NYPD jacket holding a camera pointed at the theater's entrance on 125th Street.

"NYPD video recording every person leaving the Drake Apollo show," Caramanica wrote.

The video has since been viewed more than 4 million times and received more than 240 comments.

"I get that CCTV is everywhere," one person replied. "But this shouldn't be allowed."

"Seems weird and unnecessary," replied another. "Why...?"

An NYPD spokesperson told Patch that the recording — taken outside Drake's first live show in years — was for Harlem's 28th Precinct's social media.

"The officer was taking video for an upcoming twitter post that will highlight local community events," the spokesperson said. "The video will not be utilized for any other reason."

The 28th Precinct's Twitter has not posted any such video as of 2 p.m. on Monday.

Mayor Eric Adams fielded questions about the video during a press conference Monday, where he brushed off concerns.

"It's not about those on social media, it's about those on social security," Adams said. "NYPD was there. No incident. It was a real great environment."

"That was a safe event," Adams added. "We want our community involved and those that are naysayers find reasons to complain about everything."