“because people were congregating at Lee Park and Emancipation Park wearing helmets, body armor, carrying big heavy sticks. Nobody was intent on peace here from either side. People were intent on causing havoc and causing damage. “
This is identical to Berkeley. Antifa openly publishes their suggested battle gear for their Black Block mobs. There’s ad hoc groups who oppose them that are now doing the same. This isn’t secret.
These city officials know exactly what can happen. It’s not like they don’t care- they do. They want the violence to go forward. If they didn’t they would let the police control these mobs and keep them separated.
Berkeley cops said, "Hey EVERYONE who enters the park for protesting has to give up their mace, or whatever, ANYTHING that could be construed as any type of weapon, including sign poles, and consent to manual pat-down prior to entry..!!!"
And almost everybody who was INVITED did that --they gave up all their stuff.
And it was so weird cuz all the AntiFa were standing around the protest park periphery. Then they sling-shot in M-80's and in response "FOR SAFETY..!!" the cops CLOSE THE PARK..!
Bingo, two groups that loathe each-other, and ONE of them was totally disarmed..!!