It’s the old lock arms and hope they spray us routine. Tree huggers did the same thing in Eureka a decade ago. The deputies used OC applied by Q-tip. If memory serves, the huggers did well in court.
It’s now a standard tactic to provide a sound track intended to influence those who watch the tape. Sounds like the demonstrators had their tactics all prepared.
It's programmed "Street Theater" with occupiers stoically inviting and enduring police force of any kind while surrounding female participants shriek hysterically on cue. They are very accomplished shriekers.
Videotape, YouTube and the evening news make the street theater much more effective today than it was decades ago.
The police should add salt spray to the pepper spray bombardments. I hear stinging salt spray is good for adolescent acne. Maybe a little Hot Sauce mixed in, too.
Leni