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Tuesday, September 09, 2008

RNC GONE WILD/ Martin Owings Reporting

Please click onto the COMMENTS for the story.

posted by Bob at Tuesday, September 09, 2008

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Day ONE - September 1, 2008

I observed a person who was tackled by citizens and quickly arrested after he slashed tires on a tour bus. I took video of the event and I interviewed the citizens who tackled him. Police were rough, but NOT violent when taking him into custody. ( Saint Paul Police)

Interview of two Gentlemen who tackled a Vandal.click here

I observed and reported on the vandalism at Macy's as well as the Minneapolis Squad Car nearby. The POLICE arrested the wrong people as the vandals had fled the scene prior to their arrival.

I observed the POLICE who DENIED Media access to Protest Marches on at least four occasions. I interviewed a crew from Columbia who were here to report on events and they stated "We are very disappointed about being denied access". At one point asking how this could happen in AMERICA .

I observed only one other actual arrest that day. The individual seemed to be drunk and did not resist. Saint Paul Police were not violent in the arrest.

I spoke with many POLICE that day, mostly the local cops since the dark suits, BCA, National Guards, Secret Service and others would NOT speak at all. The Saint Paul Police seemed on edge, but were otherwise treating people respectfully. At one point I observed an officer assisting a protester who looked to have injured her leg.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. I was on the Capitol side of the Cedar street bridge when I witnessed several people hurrying across the bridge toward the Capitol. Street Medics were assisting people who had been Pepper Sprayed and Gassed. I interviewed and recorded this.

Audio Interview with Protester who was Pepper Sprayed for offering Police a flower
click here

Interview with Citizen Mario:
click here

DAY TWO - September 2, 2008

TERRORIST PUPPETS - I started the day with a group of three gentlemen and two Puppets from BackboneCampaign.org as they walked to the Jail to exchange a BUSH and CHEANEY Puppet for Protesters that had been arrested the day before. Everywhere we went on the streets of Saint Paul , people would cheer, honk horns, give thumbs up and take pictures and video.

We first went to the back entrance to the jail which was fenced off and guarded by RIOT Police, National Guard and Saint Paul cops. As we approached the gate a Squad car pulled up and two female officers inside the car smiled and laughed. They gave us the thumbs up and called us closer to see the Puppets.

After several minutes three other Officers, including a Sergeant came out to tell us to LEAVE. They were good natured and shook hands, but told us it was a public safety issue. In this case we were standing on a public street in a public place with a group of less than seven people. I do not know what would have happened if I weren't there filming.

We made our way to the front of the Jail where another small group and the Media has gathered awaiting to hear the disposition of those arrested the day before. We were met by two Ramsey County Sheriff's Deputy's at the main Gate. At first they were smiling and laughing, but they soon called for back up. Then about 30 Riot Police, National Guard and other Officers moved quickly to position themselves in front of the already heavily guarded gate.

A heavy show of force for TWO PUPPETS. I documented it ALL.

TERRORIST PUPPET VIDEO

Poor Peoples March

I went to report on the Poor Peoples group gathered in Mears Park . I witnessed the DOJ discussing how they thought that Anarchists were going to join the March and create havoc/mayhem. They warned an Organizer who told them she would NOT be intimidated by them (DOJ).

Bicycle Police moved through Mears Park taking away "illegal" sign sticks and poles they said were too BIG. This agitated the crowd, but people remained calm as Organizers told them to comply.

Mears was surrounded by RIOT POLICE and Others. The Organizers gave speeches and began the March. As we crossed the street and moved up to 7th the streets were lined with hundreds of RIOT POLICE with batons, pepper spray and gas at the ready. It was tense but the Marchers were peaceful.

As we made our way near the Capitol, we were joined by thousands of other Protesters and Police rushed to reposition along Cedar. A few tense moments, but again, NO violence by anybody that I witnessed.

Incident at Mickey's Diner. I witnessed as a Protester got too close to RIOT POLICE on Horseback, he was actually being pushed by the large crowd of Protesters passing through that intersection which was made very narrow by Fencing along 7th street and in front of the Assumption Church . He was Pepper Sprayed and arrested. I witnessed an object being thrown at Police which landed harmlessly behind them. The Organizers called for Calm and the Minnesota PEACE Team positioned themselves between angry Protesters and Police.

Police then advised the MEDIA to leave the area or risk arrest and GAS. I tried to stay with the Marcher's but was CUT OFF by several RIOT POLICE. I and other Journalists tried to make our way up the hill and around Police, but were met by MORE Police who re-directed us. We ended up near the Democratic Press Offices by the History Center and observed from there as Police used GAS and Flash Bang Grenades on remaining Protesters.

POOR PEOPLES MARCH VIDEO

An OLD Women Cheers Protesters

AUDIO INTERVIEW Crystal

DAY THREE - September 3, 2008

A Mostly Quiet Day in Saint Paul from what I observed. I attended a rally at the Capitol to end the Genocide in Darfur . It was sparsely attended and very Peaceful.

I interviewed People in Rice Park . I heard reports of a group of CODE PINK people being arrested earlier in the Day and the Amy Goodman had been arrested and released at some point.

It may have been quiet because of a concert taking place in Minneapolis . I stayed in Saint Paul . Filming Police and interviewing people.

Day Three Video Footage

DAY FOUR - September 4, 2008

As the day began I found myself downtown. I got a tip that something was happening at Harriet Island but after walking down there I only found a few protesters just wrapping up a rally.

I got a tip that POLICE were gathering in large numbers downtown near the Capitol and that State and local businesses were closing earlier. I got up to the Capitol quickly where a permitted Protest was taking place.

I witnessed two arrests on the MALL. Things became very tense as RIOT POLICE and MOUNTED RIOT POLICE Rushed Into the Crowd, here is a description of what happened LIVE as it occurred:

click here

POLICE Sergeant John Lozoya gave a statement telling Reporters that the assembly was permitted only for 3 to 5 p.m. after which it would be an unlawful assembly and march. POLICE Came over loud speakers announcing the END of the Rally, but then Protesters began to March toward JOHN IRELAND BLVD.

JOHN IRELAND BRIDGE STANDOFF

Protesters ended up on the Bridge, STOPPED by RIOT POLICE and Snow Plows positioned on the Cathedral HILL side. The situation was tense.

I watched as several "undercover" POLICE were OUTTED by Protesters. They simply drew arrows to them on the ground with chalk identifying them as POLICE. I was confronted by one female "undercover officer" who tried to grab my camera. It’s all on the VIDEO. I thought my camera was off, but it was running THANK GOD.

I witnessed one lone Saint Paul Policeman directing traffic in the intersection, while many hundreds more RIOT POLICE, mounted RIOT POLICE, SWAT and what looked to be National Guard cut off the 12th street side of Cedar.

At one point a Protester Sat DOWN in the intersection. The lone St. Paul Traffic Cop came over offered him a hand up and asked if he would please move. The Protester grabbed the Officers hand, pulled himself up and moved out of the way. (Very cool to see two parties keep their heads in the midst of a tense situation)

12th Street and CEDAR Ave STANDOFF

I witnessed some Pepper Spraying and Arrests. I wasn’t close enough to observe how rough these arrests were, but I talked to witnesses who said that the Protesters got too close to POLICE and were taken into custody.

I photographed some who had been Pepper Sprayed.

Protesters were blocked from going downtown or from traveling further down 12th.

SEARS PARKING LOT MAYHEM

As the Protesters made their way back toward the Capitol, they detoured towards Sears and University Ave. Police rushed in to block various streets and some Protesters were CUT-OFF and things became disorganized and chaotic.

At this point I was on the University side of Sears, near the Sears Auto Center . I witnessed several injured persons laying on the pavement…some being attended by STREET MEDICS.

Most seemed to be eye injuries from the PEPPER SPRAY, but GAS was being let off by POLICE. Just as I approached to see what was going on a FLASH BANG Grenade went off in front of a group of us. Then several more and more GAS.

An elderly woman who looked to be trying to get to her car from shopping at Sears was injured. I photographed her being helped.

Horse Mounted Police came charging by and they were NOT issuing warning as people were knocked aside. I fell back behind a large dumpster only to find an injured woman being treated by STREET MEDICS for Pepper Spray and Gas.

I moved to University. POLICE yelled at me to leave the AREA. I ran to the sound of more flash bang grenades…I was OUT of MEMORY on both of my Camera so didn’t get anymore footage. I won’t go any further on what I saw other than to say it was Mayhem

Day Four Video and Audio Footage

Police Rush Crowd To Make Arrests


Respectfully,


Martin Owings
IF YOU HAVE A TIP OR STORY CALL ME, I WILL ANSWER
612.599.3030

10:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fantastic video Martin. Thank you very much.

11:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great video. There was so much video shot and yet nowhere to go to see it. Thanks Martin!

7:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Martin! Wow, great journalism. I just wonder why, after Day 1, the mainstream media kinda stopped showing protester coverage and focused more on the actual RNC, which was way less interesting . . .

Mark

10:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mark -

The media stopped covering the violence because they really don't fell the need. They have the philosophy they use with NFL games when someone runs out on the field, don't show it, it will only encourage more. So with rioters (protesters to some)the networks have been told that if you give the protesters an outlet on TV it will only encourage more people to do outrageous things. Which is probably case. In this litigious
society, they are likely to get sued by a victim of violence for instigating and have to pay damages or at the very least incur legal costs. Why take the risk?

The Networks have sponsors who really don't care, owners who just want to make a profit and generally have no connection to anyone protesting or their beliefs and viewers who watch tv for the most part to forget everyday troubles and want to be entertained. No one wants to turn on the TV and see protesters unless you are one of the few who enjoy a good ass kicking of a snot nosed kid who thinks they know everything. Face it, most people want to turn on the TV and see a happy happy bubble gum world.

God bless Martin because he actually cares about everyone and their rights. But how many people are really going to see his video/audio? Maybe a couple thousand if he's lucky? And to second that, besides the little group on SPIF that can't seem to stop bitching (about this and everything else that's the least bit mainstream), who's really complaining?

Jonathan

9:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jonathan:

Although based on your post it appears we probably would not agree and a lot of things, I really appreciate your thoughtful, intelligent (correct too) analysis of the media coverage during the RNC. Also, we should all thank Bob for providing this wonderful forum where we (well some of us) can have a civilized debate about important local (and beyond) topical issues. So, thanks Bob, Jonathan and Martin!

Peace out!

Mark

6:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you all for your kind comments.

I think the reason the "BIG" media doesn't report on these things is that they must not think them news worthy....which should beg the question...If our FREEDOM isn't newsworthy, what is it they do think is newsworthy?

I can tell you all from being down there that the major networks, affliates and all kinds of media were present....it just didn't make the news.

800 People imprisoned, thousands of police...the freaking National Guard was called out...and still, nothing from the "BIG" media?

One can waste time pondering the impact of America's great apathy towards its own liberties or we can begin to demand accountability.

Let's hope our fellow citizen's awake from their slumber before its too late.

Best regards,

Martin

1:06 AM  

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