Not wanting to be assaulted anymore, I retreated. I found a commanding officer and told him what had happened. He went to get an officer to help me file a complaint. As I stood there, I noticed all the mainstream media trucks packing it in. I asked another officer if it was OK if I was there. She showed me where media was allowed to stand, so I joined a small group of independent media like myself.
Next thing I knew, we were tear-gassed. That explains why the TV trucks left, and explains why they grouped us together.
Remember, if you're assaulted by Cop #1, complaining on the scene to Cop #2 isn't going to help much. That said, there appear to have been very little actual rough stuff this morning in Oakland. "In fact, I'm about the only person I can verify being assaulted," the blogger concludes. (AP mentions a beanbag shot.) Regardless, I bet the "Off the pigs!" chant will be a little louder next time.
Next thing I knew, we were tear-gassed. That explains why the TV trucks left, and explains why they grouped us together.
Remember, if you're assaulted by Cop #1, complaining on the scene to Cop #2 isn't going to help much. That said, there appear to have been very little actual rough stuff this morning in Oakland. "In fact, I'm about the only person I can verify being assaulted," the blogger concludes. (AP mentions a beanbag shot.) Regardless, I bet the "Off the pigs!" chant will be a little louder next time.