Police, protesters clash as tensions roil Anaheim

[bemildred]

Simmering tensions in the wake of two deadly police shootings in Anaheim exploded into violence Tuesday night as protesters clashed with police outside City Hall even as officials voted to ask federal authorities to investigate the killings that have rocked the Orange County community.

Protesters hurled rocks, traffic cones and other objects at police clad in riot gear as officers chased people along sidewalks and streets throughout the evening and fired less-than-lethal projectiles into crowds after giving a dispersal order. Sirens wailed as officers formed skirmish lines and police from neighboring law enforcement agencies provided assistance.

Police said that at least five people were arrested on suspicion of assault and resisting arrest, and that a reporter from the Orange County Register was struck by a rock as angry crowds stood face to face with officers in tense standoffs. Fires were started in dumpsters, and at least one storefront had its windows broken as the skirmishes continued into the night.

The chaotic scene marked the fourth day of protests since officers shot two men to death over the weekend, outraging residents concerned about police conduct in Anaheim's heavily Latino core.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0725-anaheim-shooting-20120725,0,1233632.story

[gopiscrap]

1. Ever notice how it's always the cops

that start this shit by being heavy handed or covering up their dirty deeds?

[bemildred]

2. Police shooting, protests rock Los Angeles suburb

(CNN) -- Authorities in the Los Angeles suburb of Anaheim, California, have asked for a federal investigation into a pair of weekend police shootings that have sparked days of protests, the city's mayor said Wednesday.

Police Chief John Welter said officers made 24 arrests after a protest that began at a City Council meeting Tuesday night turned violent, with demonstrators breaking windows and throwing rocks and bottles at police. Police responded with batons and nonlethal "bean-bag" and pepper spray projectiles, he said.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait told reporters Wednesday that he asked the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles to investigate the fatal shootings of two men by police, but said violent protests "will simply not be tolerated in our city."

"When the investigations are concluded, we will have a clear and complete understanding of these incidents," Tait said. "At that time, we will have additional public dialogue about any actions that need to be taken. ... We will not, however, accept any violent protests, vandalism or arson perpetrated under the guise of public protest."

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/25/us/california-anaheim-violence/index.html

[petronius]

3. I do think it's a good move to get a federal investigation in there

And I thought I read that there would be an independent state-level investigation as well, along with the OC district attorney?

Really hope the city and the APD cooperate fully and openly, and that community organizers can channel anger into peaceful and productive protest...

[bemildred]

4. I think it's a bit soon to know what's going down; however it is

indeed a good thing if one or more outside investigations happen, the incompetence alone here boggles the mind.