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The cynical interpretation is that the police don't want TV helicopters covering their riot control tactics.

NOTAMs apply to all airmen. You can't fly a drone in any other no-fly zone, so this one wouldn't seem to be different.

I'm not a lawyer, but I think this would depend on the eventual outcome of FAA v. Pirker.

The judge in that case found the following:

Neither the Part 1, Section. 1.1, or the 49 U.S.C. Section 40102(a)(6) definitions of "aircraft" are applicable to, or include a model aircraft within their respective definition.

Which means that NOTAMs would not apply to drone operators.

However, the FAA appealed and because of the procedure for transport courts, the appeal immediately stays that decision.

Probably the fact that some people were shooting firearms at the police helicopters during the riot.