Iraq War Veteran in Critical Condition after Occupy Oakland police attack

Riot · #1 10-26-2011, 04:42 PM

This is unjustifiable police brutality:

Iraq War Veteran for Peace Scott Olsen, 24, is in critical condition with a skull fracture and brain swelling after peaceful protesters were attacked by police using tear gas, flash grenades and rubber bullets last night at Occupy Oakland.

As he lay unconscious and unmoving in front of the police line, multiple protesters ran to help him. A policeman in the line then lobbed another flash grenade on top of Olsen, scattering his helpers. Please look at the first video below, at least - caution, it is disturbing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZLyU...layer_embedded

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog...s-live#block-5

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011...ical-condition

Here is the video showing Olsen laying there, and the second attack on his helpers:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/1...in?detail=hide

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/1...on-with-police

Oakland Police have publicly denied using rubber bullets and flash bangs. There is ample video, from private people and ABC news, showing differently. ABC News had a live helicopter over the protest for several hours, documenting the multiple times police attacked the protesters to break them up

dellinger63 · #2 10-26-2011, 05:41 PM

The cop who threw the flash grenade while the guy was down should step up and resign.

I wonder how the protestors feel about Obama trying to create (actually save) jobs by giving away tens of billions to pay police?

Hope the vet will be OK and has a quick recovery. That the protestors refrain from throwing rocks, bottles and utensils next time and the police don't lie about using tear gas and flash grenades. If the protestors would just follow the Tea Party protestors and assemble during the day, preferably on weekends, with signs and no tents, everyone would be happy.

And if the marine was shot where he was down he was likely shot at point blank or less than a 10-foot range. It's too dark in the video to see if police at the front line aimed weapons at the protestors or not.

Riot · #3 10-26-2011, 06:24 PM

There are tens of videos from Oakland last night on the internet, including from valid news organizations such as local ABC-7 that were there during the multiple hours of repeated attack waves.

You are welcome to try and find one where the protesters initiated just cause for violent police attack against peaceful protesters standing there, by tossing homemades bombs, firecrackers, etc. at the police.

The police are also lying about "we didn't use flash grenades and rubber bullets". Isn't that beyond obvious from the videos?

The Oakland PD are complete idiots, who are unawares that there are hundreds of cameras on their every move, and they can't get away with blatant lying any more?

Oakland PD have a bit of a rep, of course, for over-reaction. They came dressed in riot gear, fully armed. Let's hope tonight isn't worse. You can view it live on the internet, there are multiple live streams.

And I would like to remind you, that in America, we have the right to peacefully assemble in public and protest. No matter who doesn't like it.

dellinger63 · #4 10-26-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riot

Oakland PD have a bit of a rep, of course, for over-reaction. They came dressed in riot gear, fully armed. Let's hope tonight isn't worse. You can view it live on the internet, there are multiple live streams.

And I would like to remind you, that in America, we have the right to peacefully assemble in public and protest. No matter who doesn't like it.

If they come dressed in riot gear let's hope the protestors take that as a signal to call it for the night and meet back in the morning.

somerfrost · #5 10-26-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dellinger63

If they come dressed in riot gear let's hope the protestors take that as a signal to call it for the night and meet back in the morning.

The quickest way to change public opinion and cause the American public to back the protestors, not to mention giving law enforcement a black eye, is continued over-reaction and use of heavy handed techniques by authorities. The media was our biggest ally during the Civil Rights Movement because it showed folks everywhere that many southern cops were nothing more than thugs, today...there is 1000% more coverage, yet authorities are making the same mistakes. Power doesn't always equate to intellect.

Riot · #6 10-26-2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dellinger63

If they come dressed in riot gear let's hope the protestors take that as a signal to call it for the night and meet back in the morning.

Because you believe that our Constitutional right to peaceful public assembly doesn't exist in the US?

And you call yourself a Libertarian?

dellinger63 · #7 10-26-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riot

Because you believe that our Constitutional right to peaceful public assembly doesn't exist in the US?

And you call yourself a Libertarian?

Of course I support the right to peaceful assembly and protest. When it's done within the law and unfortunately in Oakland it is not. The cops went way too far last night but so did the protestors. Camping in public parks overnight is usually not legal so until that and park closing/curfew times get changed, they are breaking the law. Rhambo is doing the same thing in Grant Park so it's obviously a legal issue rather than a political one.