 According to the AP, violence broke out between the New Orleans Police Department and folks who planned to voice their opinion over the planned demolition of federal housing in New Orleans.
Since the New Orleans' City Charter requires City Council approval of any demolition, the City Council set a hearing. The Council chambers seat less than 300. Once the chambers reached capacity, folks were turned away. Some of those turned away went outside onto the grounds of City Hall and an impromptu protest, complete with chants, broke out. For those not familiar with New Orleans City Hall, there is an iron gate that separates the Council's chamber building from City Hall itself.
Some protestors chose to storm the gate, with some able to squeeze themselves through the gate, before the New Orleans Police Department started using chemical spray and stun devices to subdue the crowd.
An ambulance was deployed to City Hall, but the AP is unsure if it was a precautionary measure or whether someone was actually hospitalized or received medical care.
According to New Orleans Nation, there were protests inside the Council Chamber itself. Apparently, Council Member Stacey Head blew a kiss to the protesters, which only inflamed the protesters. |
