The protest began at the foot of Poydras Street at the Hilton Riverside. That was where most of the events for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference were taking place. According to accounts, fliers were distributed amongst the mob telling of the fundraising event at Brennan’s on Royal Street that night.
The mob then in late afternoon proceeded as a group up Canal or Poydras to the intersection of Royal and thence to the restaurant. That’s about 8-10 blocks.
If you look at the photos and video of the mob at Brennan’s, you’ll see a big building in the background. That is Louisiana’s State Supreme Court Building.
Where Bautsch and Brown were attacked was literally on the sidewalk outside that building.
http://palmettoconservative.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/republican-staffers-brutally-beaten-in-new-orleans-mainstream-media-stays-silent/
Republican Staffers Brutally Beaten in New Orleans, Mainstream Media Silent