270 arrested as protesters mass for march on Republican convention

[Nambe]

NEW YORK (AP)

Police wrapped demonstrators and an entire midtown Manhattan block in orange netting Tuesday to control protests, arresting more than 270 people across the city as activists massed in the streets for a march to the site of the Republican convention.

Outside the New York Public Library, in the streets near the famed Herald Square and at the site of the fallen World Trade Center, demonstrators pointed themselves toward Madison Square Garden and promised to get their message across that they want President George W. Bush out of office. ..

On the library's stone steps, hundreds of protesters gathered for the march. Verbal confrontations erupted as police moved them away from the library's front door and wrapped the block in orange netting and about 75 people were taken into custody.

The protests occurred as Manhattan began to resemble a crazy-quilt of barriers, heavily armed police and street-corner activists. More than 800 people have been arrested in convention-related protest activity since late last week but the demonstrations have been largely peaceful. ..

An Associated Press photographer was detained briefly in the cordon before being released; a photo messenger working with the photographer was arrested and taken into custody.

Outside the Fox News Channel studios in midtown Manhattan, police in riot gear used barricades to contain about 1,000 demonstrators staging a "shut-up-athon" to denounce what they called the network's right-wing slant. One woman held up a sign that read: "Republicans are really stupid. They atch Fox News and believe it."

Police said there were no arrests. ..

[Dancing_Dave]

1. Sounds like the heat is really coming down tonight in NYC...

Well, at least it's something for a whole new generation of activists to remember. :yourock: :nopity:

[goclark]

3. This stream is live from the scene

The radio reporter is doing a magnificent job.
You should really listen.


37 W. 44th - delegates were going to a party at that location.
Crowd was going to greet them.

Go to St. Mark's Church if you are in need of medical attention.

Portland Oregon station is reporting all this..they are getting their reports from New York

http://portland.indymedia.org/en/static/pdxradio.shtml

[LauraK]

4. Wow, what a party. I'll bet most of the police are enjoying this.

I see a lot of smiles.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

2. OMFG, It's now against the law to yell at a selected official (fm article)

<snip>
Police announced the arrest of a 21-year-old Yale student after he entered a restricted area near Vice-President Dick Cheney (news - web sites)'s booth at the convention Monday night, coming within three metres of him and shouting anti-war and anti-Bush statements. Cheney was never in any danger and no weapon was found on the man, authorities said.
<snip>