Occupy City Hall - June 29th-30th

Occupy City Hall // June 29th-30th

On-the-ground account of what happened @ City Hall: hundreds of New York City riot police began assembling outside of City Hall around 3am Tuesday morning. Protesters had taken over Chambers and Centre Street - building barricades, and blocking off traffic.
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After a nearly 2.5 hour stand off, the police moved into the expanded autonomous zone around 530am - ripping down fencing, and pushing demonstrators back to the park. “If you do not leave the street voluntarily, you will be arrested and charged with disorderly conduct” blared over a loud speaker strapped to the back of a lieutenant. -
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Organizers instructed demonstrators to get on the sidewalk, where legally they would be protected. The police remained in the street for nearly 15 min, staring at protestors, and blasting the recording. The protesters responded by chanting “We’re on the sidewalk!” -
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Soon after, the lieutenant switched the recording to “If you do not leave the SIDEWALK and disperse, you will be arrested, and charged with disorderly conduct. The demonstrators held their ground, screaming back at police, holding protective umbrellas high. -
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A few seconds later, the police charged forward - smashing into a line of makeshift wooden and plastic protest shields. The demonstrators were relentless, but stood no chance against 200+ officers in full riot gear. After a viscous struggle, the remaining fencing was removed and disposed of. Now, protesters and police stood face to face - nothing between them. -
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Front line demonstrators held their ground, screaming obscenities, ready for whatever came next. Police began to advance, ripping umbrellas + shields out of demonstrators hands. Just as the situation seemed to be escalating again, the police cheif stepped in, ordering his men to stand down. After securing the intersection, police left the park, allowing demonstrators to repair the camp and treat their injuries.

Occupy City Hall - June 25th

Occupy City Hall // Day 3
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Since the start of the occupation on Tuesday, the crowd has quadrupled in size - expanding far beyond the small patch of grass where this all started. The park had become a 100% self sustaining community complete with charging stations, an art department, a full kitchen, roaming medics, voting sign ups, supply booths, and even a public library. Education is a huge part of this movement, with teach ins + group discussions surrounding race, the abolitionist movement, government, voting, and demonstration tactics, happening 24/7.
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With June 30th rapidly approaching, organizers continue to push their agenda to defund the NYPD by 1 billion, or roughly 1/6th of their overall yearly budget.

George Floyd Police Riots - Grand Army Plaza - June 4th

George Floyd Demonstrations // Day 7 // June 5th, 2020 // Grand Army Plaza

Contrary to some mainstream media outlets, the protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful over the past five days in New York. Protest organizers, and a generation of young activists, have stepped up to ensure peaceful demonstrations continue with the proper leadership and planning. With looting and riots still dominating the headlines days after demonstrations became orderly, activists are fighting to have their voice be heard above all the sensationalism.
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This weekend, thousands marched in 25+ protests across all five boroughs - reinforcing a message of peace and determination. Marches are already planned for next weekend nationwide. More coverage from this weekend to follow