Police Brutally Attack Funk the War in Rochester NY

by Rochester IMC Oct.7, 2009

Funk the War, a demonstration to demand an end to the war in Afghanistan and for increased education funding, was violently attacked by police this evening. At least 10 people were arrested, many are still in custody right now. One of the arrestees was reported to be bleeding from her face after being tackled by two cops into the the base of a light pole, she is currently sitting in the back of a police car without access to medical attention.

Currently, many of the arrestees are being held currently in the public safety building (corner of Exchange and Court St, downtown). A group is gathering outside to support them.

Reporters on the scene say that police attacked the crowd using clubs without any warning or orders to disperse. The first arrested was an African-American man who joined up midway into the march. Members of the crown questioned the obvious racism behind this act and some were arrested shortly after.

Those present estimate at least 35 cop cars present, including one state trooper. We will continue to update this as more info comes in.

• Video of Police Attack
• Pictures from the March
• Report from Harry Davis

Update:The current arrest count is 12, everyone has been released from jail. The protester who's face was bruised and cut was pushed by a single police officer, not 2. A second protester went to Rochester General Hospital for stitches because of the police attack. RNews's coverage of the events is extremely misleading and inaccurate. Democrat and Chronicle's coverage is relatively better, but still not very informative.