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 Editorials | Opinions | May 2007 
Candidate Alexander: LAPD Assaults May Day Supporters
 Peace and Freedom Party
| | May 2, 2007 | A day of peaceful immigration rallies in major US cities Tuesday was marred when Los Angeles police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Witnesses said police wearing riot gear and wielding batons gave no warning before firing at rally participants gathered at MacArthur Park. There is an investigation underway to determine whether police used excessive force. (Rick Loomis/LATimes) |
Los Angeles police officers brutally assaulted peaceful marchers and supporters at a rally in Los Angeles creating outrage and anger from millions nationwide.
The May Day events throughout the day had been peaceful and well organized and it was approximately 6:00 PM when the Los Angeles Police Department stormed McAuther Park; shooting rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowds that were present.
Many of the people that were present in the park were mother, children and babies. The cops were seen beating many with sticks on television; people and children that were offering no resistance. Also there were members of the press that were brutally assaulted.
Members of the Peace and Freedom Party were present supporting the May Day events and observed no misconduct from marchers, May Day supporter or citizens.
The LAPD failed to act professionally and dealt with the situation like a bunch of street thugs.
The actions of the LAPD need to be investigated by an independent investigation and the federal government for human and civil rights violations.
An investigation must also be conducted to determine if the officers acted beyond the scope of the department’s guidelines and jurisdiction.
The LAPD and the Los Angeles City Council must obtain a full and complete disclosure from the LAPD officers present, any people that were arrested or hospitalized, and the press that was present; to assure a comprehensive investigation will occur.
This is not the first time the Los Angeles Police Department has violently and viciously violated human and democratic rights. They have attacked protesters at the last Democratic Party convention and they have a record of violating labor and immigrant rights.
The nation must also note that the silence of the Democratic and Republican candidates for president. Their silence over this police assault on workers during the Los Angeles May Day protest again indicates their complicity in these attacks on Democratic rights.
I encourage anyone to address your concerns regarding the May Day McAuthur Park incident to: Stewart A. Alexander, 40485 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Unit 149, Murrieta, CA 92563, or email stewartalexander4paf@ca.rr.com.
You may also contact: Peace and Freedom Party, PO Box 24764, Oakland CA 94623
To receive additional details regarding this incident, search the Los Angeles Indymedia site:
http://la.indymedia.org/news/2007/05/197834.php |
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