The Occupy DSM group earlier today tried to stake their claim on the park that sits to the west of the state capitol. At 10:35 p.m. State Trooper Mark Logsdon arrived to warn the group of the park’s 11 p.m. curfew and he said those who attempted to occupy past that time would be arrested.
The group numbered about 150 at that time, but a large contingent of folks not willing to be arrested went across the street to stand on the sidewalk. Those who remained sat down, linked arms, and the arrests began shortly after 11 p.m. Former State Representative Ed Fallon was among the first to be arrested. One man was maced. Some of the “occupy” activists went limp and were dragged to the waiting paddywagon. At this hour the arrests are continuing. UPDATE: Here’s the Radio Iowa story. Nearly three dozen were arrested.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
There was an incident tonight, where one blogger who was videotaping an arrestee who was being manhandled by the police was attacked himself and the police and highway patrol attempted to take a young man and his camera into custody. The crowd who was on the sidewalk across from the park rushed in to take the mans video equipment and the police were trying to confiscate it. All of the crowd grabbed the young man, who was on the ground wrestling with the police, pulled him into the street, and he was able to get to his feet, and run away, with his video equipment and taping of the nights event beginning prior to 11 p.m.The people on the sidewalk got permission, after all the peaceful protesters were arrested, to collect food, medical supplies, tents and camping gear. Please join us at the People’s Park every day and night. We need your support.
After the man got to his feet and started running. Des Moines Police Officers aimed their tasers and pepper spray at the crowd, but no one was hurt.