This afternoon at Center City Plaza in San Diego, a peaceful protest by Occupy Wallstreet activists turned violent after San Diego police officers forcibly removed the tents set up by protestors. After refusing to leave, police encircle and arrest citizens, while others moved from the area. Protesters moved to several locations throughout the day, followed closely by police who continued to oust them from the protest sites. Use of pepper spray, tasers, and tear gas reported amongst the dozens of arrests made for “Suspicion of unlawful conduct on public land” and one is reported dead from a fall off of the top story of the Civic Center. This is just one example of the constitutional abuse demonstrated as police shut down protesters first amendment right in cities throughout the US during today’s Occupy Wallstreet movement. Similar reports have come in from Denver, Chicago, and New York, including reports of police brutality. We will continue to keep you update as this story develops including the names and badge numbers of SDPD witnessed to commit police brutality. Video and still footage will be up shortly. #OWS
Our own San Diego correspondent Doug Bauldwin negotiated a group discount on bail for all protesters. To help rescue the political prisoners arrested in San Diego, you can donate at http://occupysd.weebly.com/donations.html
The scene Thursday evening as the protester's eviction deadline nears
Police tear down tents, arrest protesters