Occupy Wall Street: NYPD Arrests 700 Protesters On Brooklyn Bridge
First Posted: 9/30/11 02:18 PM ET Updated: 10/2/11 05:37 PM ET
Hundreds of people protesting Wall Street abuses were penned in and arrested by police Saturday, two weeks into an ongoing demonstration that has become known on Twitter as #OccupyWallStreet.
Centered at Zuccotti Park since September 17, the gathering that began as a call to arms from anti-consumerist magazine AdBusters has shown no sign of a slowdown.
The movement aims to "express a feeling of mass injustice," according to the group’s declaration for the occupation of New York City released Friday. The injustices include the foreclosure crisis, work place discrimination and student loan debt, among a list of others.
As HuffPost reported recently, the movement is less about specific policy demands and more about an expression of opposition to ever yawning economic inequality driven by Wall Street and its allies in Washington.
Calling themselves an American revolution, the protesters say they plan to stay in the park indefinitely.
Greg Basta, an official with New York Communities for Change, said that the organizers were encouraged by police on Saturday to march on the street area of the Brooklyn Bridge, instead of the walkway, then subsequently arrested them for marching in traffic. Two lead organizers, Jonathan Westin and Pete Nagy, were penned in by police. Westin managed to exit the police pen, but Nagy is missing and presumed detained by police, Basta told HuffPost.
"Police say some demonstrators spilled onto the roadway Saturday night after being told to stay on the pedestrian pathway," the Associated Press reported.
Similar demonstrations started Saturday in Washington and Los Angeles.
Shon Botado, a protester staffing a first aid station in New York, told The Huffington Post on Friday that he’s not leaving “until change is made to the financial structure.”
Shon Botado, a protester staffing a first aid station in New York, told The Huffington Post on Friday that he’s not leaving “until change is made to the financial structure.”
This protestor's sign -- "arrested yesterday, back today" -- seemed to signify the general spirit in Zuccotti Park on Sunday, one day after hundreds of Occupy Wall Street marchers were arrested on the Brooklyn Bridge. They say they won't be bowed by the police pressure.
After a rainy Saturday night, much of Occupy Wall Street's food was ruined or moved away. By Sunday afternoon, a whole new spread -- replete with pizza, snacks and sandwiches -- had been donated to the impromptu camp.
- Matt Sledge
31 seconds ago (6:00 PM)
It's admirable what the protesters are doing, and it will certainly generate some publicity. But, unless more people get involved, this will never turn into any kind of credible movement or lead to any change.34 seconds ago (6:00 PM)
How many posters here are in favor of their elected politicianRight or Left politicall
43 seconds ago (6:00 PM)
The GOP wont stop until the 46 million Americans living in poverty are in prison, and the new poverty class will be the middle class.58 seconds ago (6:00 PM)
So these people are upset because they have to pay their mortgages, student loans, and cant figure out why they don't have a job1 minute ago (6:00 PM)
I think its fitting... that the Arab Spring is being followed by the American Fall.1 minute ago (5:59 PM)
BOA is not enough.shu1 minute ago (5:59 PM)
Had enough bad_love Banksta's.48 seconds ago (6:00 PM)
education certainly failed you....This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
13 seconds ago (6:00 PM)
No that it works except in Tea APrty land where being home schooled is the path to ignorance.2 minutes ago (5:58 PM)
These cops should honor their fallen brothers and sisters from 9/11 and join in the fight, their pensions and SS are next.1 minute ago (5:59 PM)
They are on the wrong side of history. They might as well get some fire hoses to make for a lasting memory.1 minute ago (5:59 PM)
New York is a blue state. We dont want to do that.3 minutes ago (5:58 PM)
46 million Americans living in poverty.The GOP says, "You ain't seen nothin' yet!"
3 minutes ago (5:57 PM)
these kids should move to texas were they can a find a job and make an honest to goodness living and not be distracted by all of this fake rigomorol jargon.3 minutes ago (5:58 PM)
lawlz.This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
3 minutes ago (5:58 PM)
You first.2 minutes ago (5:59 PM)
Yeah, no benefits, no health care, minimum wage, and close minded people.There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All
59 seconds ago (6:00 PM)
Yeah but this is America. Try it.3 minutes ago (5:57 PM)
The NYPD are as Corrupt as Wall Street.. they need to be taken down and let people do the job right.. who arent easily swayed when they see $$$ in front of them.4 minutes ago (5:57 PM)
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