On Sunday, Southampton Village deployed a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team on Main Street during a busy shopping day. Heavily armed officers displayed military-grade weapons, brought bomb-detection equipment and used dogs to sniff ordinary shoppers.
This show of force disrupted businesses and frightened residents — including me.
When the U.S. president or vice president visits, protective teams dress in suits and maintain readiness without alarming the public. Why couldn’t our village do the same? What was the reason for such a display of force? This is not in alignment with what our peaceful, bucolic community represents.
I call on village officials to explain why such an extreme display of armament was necessary and to commit to policies that prioritize de-escalation over intimidation.
Carol Scott
Southampton
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