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Kerry Rally disrupts CMU campus
by gwen
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at 4:46 PM
The Kerry/Edwards campaign decided to make a stop on CMU's campus while classes were in full swing. The rally had extensive fencing to block people out of the main area, creating problems for students trying to get to classes. Further, of the people trying to attend the rally itself, most were unable to get into the main area.
When security was asked if they could escort a senior citizen with a ticket into the main area, as she'd been waiting outside for an hour and a half, unable to stand in line for very long, security replied that the senior citizen was to stand in line or not get into the main area. Meanwhile, students were passing through narrow corridors around the fencing trying to get to classes. Several students were heard complaining about how they were unable to get to some of their classes.
At one point, a couple of men wearing "SEIU for Kerry" sweatshirts blocked access to a large part of the campus and when asked if a student could pass to get to their midterms, the men replied that they were sorry for the inconvenience, but the students should take a route that circumvents the entire campus.
There were secret service all over the campus, as well, and there was rumours that the main entrance's security procedures were not to be photographed. However, they were unable to prevent many such photographs being taken. Secret Service were also seen in the windows of Hunt Library overlooking the crowd.
Very few non-partison protestors were found, but the pro-Bush/Cheney protesters were in force in the middle of campus (near the main area entrance) and on Forbes Ave eliciting responses from driver-bys. The former group had gotten into fights with Kerry supporters, it is unknown who is at fault.
The crowd around the main area entrance
by gwen
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at 4:46 PM
This is looking out from Doherty Hall, where many students were complaining that they were having a hard time getting out.
Double barrier fencing-off the crowd.
by gwen
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at 4:46 PM
More fencing just inside the main area entrance.
by gwen
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at 4:46 PM
Pro-Bush protesters in the middle of campus.
by gwen
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at 4:46 PM
This was taken right after they were in a fight with a Kerry supporter, the sign being held was apparently ripped in the fray.
Pro-Bush supporters on Forbes Ave.
by gwen
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at 4:46 PM
Apparently they needed a girl in a bikini for their cause.
Police were stopping cars from driving up the back.
by gwen
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at 4:46 PM
The Secret Service in Hunt Library's windows.
by gwen
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at 4:46 PM
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