community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
People Protest Police Violence
by marie
Thursday, Aug. 07, 2008 at 4:02 PM
On Wednesday, August 6, individuals concerned about police violence gathered on Braddock Avenue near the parkway, in front of Edgewood Town Center to protest against the Swissvale police's taser-killing of Andre D. Thomas.
From the Post-Gazette: “Thomas, 37, of Swissvale, was pronounced dead early this week, shortly after his encounter with Swissvale police on Hawthorne Avenue...
“Rose Adams, who was across the street, said she saw Mr. Thomas standing with the prongs of the Taser still attached to him when four Swissvale officers forced him to the ground and handcuffed him.
“Ms. Adams said she saw one officer stomp on Mr. Thomas' upper back, holding his foot there while the man lay on the sidewalk with his head hanging over the curb. Another officer "reared back and punched him in the head with all his might," she said.
“Mr. Thomas vomited. Then, for several minutes, he lay motionless, except for his leg twitching, Ms. Adams said.”
Protesters held a short rally and then marched to the Swissvale Municipal Building, chanting and calling attention to police violence and the use of tasers. The Post-Gazette reported that, “Tasers are used by more than 7,000 law enforcement agencies worldwide, including more than 120 in Allegheny County. A Taser gun shoots darts more than 20 feet on thin copper wires than transmit an electrical shock of 50,000 volts for several seconds. The shock immobilizes the subject for five to 15 seconds and is intended to be a nonlethal alternative to using a gun or a baton.” However, a 2004 Amnesty International report said that more than 70 people died after being hit by a stun gun since 2001.
protesting at the municipal bldg
by marie
Thursday, Aug. 07, 2008 at 4:02 PM
chanting
by marie
Thursday, Aug. 07, 2008 at 4:02 PM
cops want protesters to move
by marie
Thursday, Aug. 07, 2008 at 4:02 PM
cops watch the crowd
by marie
Thursday, Aug. 07, 2008 at 4:02 PM
swissvale police
by marie
Thursday, Aug. 07, 2008 at 4:02 PM
| TITLE | AUTHOR | DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Any means possible | i | Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008 at 4:47 PM |
| WAKE UP and smell the revolution | john norris | Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 at 6:03 AM |
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