Occupy L.A.: Police with bean-bag rifles face off with protesters
Los Angeles police formed a line across Main Street, apparently to keep Occupy L.A. protesters from moving south of 1st Street.
A throng of demonstrators stood in their faces, talking to them. "Remember your mother!" one yelled. "You're not here to beat up citizens."
Officer Sara Faden said police were trying to demonstrate to the protesters what areas would be off-limits when an unlawful assembly was declared.
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When the whir of approaching sirens could be heard, the protesters ran back to the park, shouting.
Police flooded into the area in the same manner from four corners simultaneously, Faden said. Police had not yet declared an unlawful assembly.
A ring of officers surrounded protesters seated in the middle of the park with their arms linked together. Some police were clad in white hazmat jump suits, while others were armed with rifles loaded with bean bags.
There has been no official announcement by police to disperse. But police have said they’ll allow people to leave.
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-- Kate Linthicum and Joel Rubin
Photo: LAPD officers line Broadway at 1st Street near Occupy L.A. at City Hall.
Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
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