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Four "Occupartiers" Charged With Felonies For Rioting, Assault
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Feb 4, 2012
Modified Feb 4, 2012
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Feb 4, 2012
Modified Feb 4, 2012
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Four Occupy Wall Street protesters face felony charges after last week's "Occuparty" in an unfinished condo is Williamsburg. Three men and one woman are charged with riot, assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct according to information obtained from the Brooklyn DA's office by the Post.
Though the NYPD could would not confirm to us whether any officers were injured during the small, impromptu "march" down Bedford Ave. after the brief event, City Room reported "two officers were hit in their heads by projectiles thrown by protesters…and all of the injured officers were taken to Bellevue Hospital Center." Other reports of police being "slammed" into vehicles head first couldn't be confirmed.
We received an email from the "Friends of Occupy" several days ago regarding the incident, correcting what they claimed to be a "grievous misrepresentation" of what happened. Below is the statement in full. If anyone witnessed the "march" down Bedford and the ensuing events, please let us know.
Friends of Occupy (FWG) are writing in response to Gothamist reporting concerning the events of Saturday, January 28th on the “Occu-Party” in Williamsburg Brooklyn. We received an invitation to attend a party in Williamsburg hosted by a local group affiliated with the Occupy movement, an event which we attended. Based on what we witnessed, we are writing in response to what we feel is a grievous misrepresentation by the media of the events that night.
It was our understanding that this “Occu-Party” was primarily intended to draw attention to the increasing number of empty luxury condominiums in northwest Brooklyn. During the 35 minute occupation within the building, and along with general good-natured camaraderie, there was also much discussion among attendees about the deleterious effects of bank policy. Among topics discussed included bank-funded luxury developments and gentrification. These activities often displace current residents and create a vacuum in the community, leaving large swaths of the population homeless, foreclosed, or priced-out by these predatory bank practices.
After the NYPD arrived, we spontaneously joined to what seemed to be a street march that then headed toward Bedford Avenue. Besides some obvious lack of organization among the marchers, this march has been erroneously characterized in press accounts as either inciting a riot or rife with illegal activity.
Contrary to the reported accounts, it was our impression that the reported violence was both exaggerated and exercised primarily by a surprising number of uniformed and plain clothes officers. The alleged injuries to the officers may have been a result of their over-response to suppress the actions of free speech and public assembly that night.
We are writing in support of the diverse groups struggling against the injustices of the current system. Every one of us, and everyone we know are preparing for the General Strike on May 1st.We hope this point of view is acknowledged in any further reporting of Saturday’s “Occu-Party”.
Tagged
brooklyn
condos
crime
nypd
occupy wall street
ows
protests
williamsburg
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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