Occupy protests around the nation have caught police attention and stories of police brutality have also been claimed. Most recently the occupiers rallied in a local Bank of America in San Francisco. These students and civilians entered the bank and attempted to peacefully protest in a sit-in. Local authorities were brought to the scene when the bank had to close due to protesters. No arrests were made, although some vandalism was reported outside the bank. This was peacefully solved by the police although other occupy protests in the bay area became violent.
Just weeks ago, hundreds of protesters rallied through the streets of Oakland. They took camp in the Frank Ogawa Plaza. In the early morning of November 3rd, nearly 200 Oakland Police took action, outfitted in riot gear and moved forward in attempt to dissolve the remaining protesters from the previous day of peaceful protests against police brutality.
Oakland authorities closed in on the occupation in the plaza dispensing tear gas towards the protesters. The police titled them as an “unlawful assembly.”
Police barricades were set up as protesters fought back. As the protest grew, officers advanced at the group with batons and more tear gas, pushing protesters further into the middle of the plaza. Protesters relocated to the Port of Oakland where they continued their rally and eventually shut down the port. 60 arrests were made at the port and at least one significant injury was reported.
Police also made ten arrests last week after they pepper sprayed ten students protesting at UC Davis on Friday. Campus officials stated “they may occupy the quad as long as they want but could not set up a camp.” Police arrived at the scene after the students did not comply with their deadline to vacate. These students were shown peacefully assembling at a sit in, when an officer blatantly spayed them at point blank range. Ten protesters, mostly students, were treated at the campus medical center and two were sent to the hospital.
These, as well as other occupy protesters have claimed a peaceful agenda in regards to their rallies as well as occupations, although police seem to have somewhat of a different opinion. Local police claimed to’ just be doing their job,’ although some hardly see using tear gas and pepper spray on peaceful protesters and students as a part of their job description.