It was posted by the Twitter account EventsPhotosNYC drew a barrage of criticism.
One commenter said: "Everything that's wrong with NYC summed up in one photo."
Another of those condemned was Christina Freundlich, who describes herself as a political communications professional on Linkedin and was a Communications Director at the Iowa Democratic Party.
Ben Foecke, Executive Director of the Iowa Democratic Party, told the Daily Mail Online: "Christina Freundlich left employment with the Iowa Democratic Party over thee weeks ago. March 6th was her last day on payroll.
"Her actions since then are completely outside our control and oversight."
Freundlich reportedly resigned to "seek opportunities elsewhere".
She was also a field organiser for Barack Obama's Florida Campaign for Change in 2008.
She uploaded an image of her giving a peace gesture in front of the police barricades surrounding the burnt-out part of the block.
Some people said the photo was "disgusting" while others told her to leave New York.
A reporter from Spanish-language channel Univision was spotted by Newsday reporter Michael Chayes talking a selfie as the press gathered.
One social media user said: "Disgraceful. Unprofessional. No place for a selfie in face of disaster."
Other Instagram users who had taken the selfies quickly took them down when they realised their error in judgement.
- Daily Mail
