Mass arrest attempted at 19th St. in Oakland #J28

The latest edit of this footage is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLUN1w...

This video was recorded at 5:53:29pm on Jan 28, 2012
1. A march was stopped at Telegraph Ave and William St. (5:49:35)
2. All park exists were closed (5:51:11)
3. The crowed was not allowed an exit while gas / chemicals, projectiles, batons, and explosives were used on the public.

Reporters and citizens experienced some extremely aggressive behavior:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df3udX...

Here are a few views of the situation from locals that were on the ground at 19th Street:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf6Rl8...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE8OaI...

409 people were later rounded up and arrested down the street at the YMCA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFGraa...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skhd_f...

I was not certain while filming, but gas was definitely used on this residential area. I definitely felt sick later as the gas reached my apartment.
Protesters did not destroy any personal property. Buildings, windows and cars remained untouched (in this area at least).
Live rounds were also left behind in the park, which is used by the OSA School as a playground / P.E. area: https://p.twimg.com/AkWj_oECMAAYmE5.jpg

This group began with activism that was inclusive enough to involve the local homeless community. The city's responses seem to be enflaming the situation, in order to make the marchers appear to be an agressive force. I have little doubt that the number of marchers will increase next time since they believe that they have protection under the constitution.

The city seems to be circumventing due process and the presumption of innocence in order to prevent a potential break-in before it could take place.

It's hard to see in the video, but this park is a monument to humanitarianism: http://www.remember-them.org/

I apologize if my tone during the filming sounds like I'm amused. Not at all. I was quite nervous at the time, and this experience was extremely disturbing to watch. I really didn't know how to respond at the time. I was trying to remain positive and non-biased while pointing out what is going on in my neighborhood. As an Oakland resident, I take this extremely seriously.

Unfortunately, politically motivated arrests are not uncommon in Oakland, and the City leadership assists in prioritizing the level and focus Police activity. It's hard to see some much government spending going to waste. Oakland has closed 7 schools in the past 2 years, 5 in the last year alone.

Here are a few relevant follow-up articles:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article...
http://www.sfbg.com/politics/2012/01/...
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02...

I hope non-violence and peace will prevail. I don't think that adding more police will have a positive impact on the situation.

Stay Safe Oakland!
@ryanj

Note: The brightness has been adjusted on this copy. Contact me for the source copy if needed.

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