2. After the veterans spoke and descended the stage, protesters milled about for a bit, trying to figure out their next move. That's when CPD suddenly accelerated aggressively. Initially, no order for dispersal was given, when suddenly police arrived in what can only be described as souped-up riot gear that gave the officers the appearance of Storm Troopers. CPD appeared ready for a violent confrontation with protesters, which of course became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Police attacked protesters, clubbing them across their heads with billy clubs, and generally shoving activists around. At least two protesters were badly injured. "Just saw protesters gushing blood from head," independent journalist John Knefel tweeted, "Photog witnessed it, called it terrifying."
3. I look forward to reviewing their video evidence, because what I've seen and what my media colleagues on the front lines are reporting is that protesters were given considerable latitude to express their views in rallies and marches, then fought back when police tried slowly to move them back to try to disperse the crowd. It looked like every third person in the crowd was shooting video, so we ought to have ample evidence from multiple angles if officers engaged in unprovoked attacks. And some may have. YouTube links welcome.
4. Most protesters have left the area, while a small number have been detained. Police in riot gear have corralled the protesters in an intersection about a half-mile from the lakefront convention center where President Barack Obama is hosting a gathering of world leaders. There are now many more police officers on the scene than protesters. The confrontation began when some protesters dressed all in black are trying to move east toward McCormick Place. Some were throwing water bottles at police, and some officers responding by hitting protesters with batons.
What do YOU think?
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