That officer was totally in the right for spraying the protestors. They were asked to move on and leave the quad, and they refused. It’s not just the police officer giving a lawful command. He represents the citizens that actually work and pay the taxes that support the school.
CBS News
Law enforcement officials defended the tactics used Friday to dismantle an encampment set up by “Occupy Wall Street” sympathizers on the UC Davis quad, a raid that drew accusations of excessive force from students after sitting protesters were subjected to pepper spray at point-blank range.
UC Davis Police officers in riot gear warned “Occupy UC Davis” demonstrators to pack up their tents and leave the field located between the Memorial Union and Shields Library at about 3:00 p.m., and then moved in to take down the protesters’ tents a half hour later.
University officials had warned students several times since Thursday that camping would not be allowed on the quad.
More here
I would’ve the same thing if I had the pepper spray!
UPDATE: All together, SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON YOU!
As you can see in these videos courtesy of Boingboing, the riot police commanded the students to leave and they refused. So, either these student protestors were stupid enough to believe the cops were bluffing about using pepper spray, or they knew they were getting sprayed and they wanted the spectacle captured on video to garner public sympathy.
Either way, they’re not getting ti from me.
Memeorandum
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