New Haven Occupiers Clash With NYC Cops

Thomas MacMillan Photo

Todd Sanders was the first New Havener to be arrested.

New York police arrested two New Haven Occupation” demonstrators Thursday as dozens of local people, some with vinegar-soaked bandanas to guard against tear gas, joined a day of clashes at the epicenter of where their anti-Wall Street movement began.

At least two demonstrators affiliated with the Occupy New Haven encampment on the upper Green ended up in handcuffs as they joined New York protesters seeking to prevent Wall Street traders from getting into work Thursday morning.

A third New Haven encampment stalwart, Ray Neal (center), asked police to arrest him, too, as they took away his wife, Sara Neal (far left ). Sorry, the police said. No can do.

State Rep. Pat Dillion said at 6:30 p.m. that Sara Neal had been released from police custody. Dillon had intervened on her behalf by contacting the Manhattan borough president, according to Ray Neal.

In the pre-dawn hours Thursday, 29 members of Occupy New Haven loaded into a chartered bus on College Street to join a Day of Action” in New York City marking the two-month anniversary of Occupy Wall Street, the amorphous grassroots protest against corporate greed and income inequality that has sparked an international movement.

The Independent traveled on the bus with members of Occupy New Haven as they ventured to Wall Street, then followed them during the day. (Follow our updates on Twitter.)

That planned anniversary event evolved into a more confrontational action in the wake of the New York police’s surprise overnight raid evicting demonstrators who originally set up camp in Zuccotti Park. Occupiers subsequently took up residence on the upper New Haven Green on Oct. 15, creating a tent village with about 50 campers, supported by others who consider themselves part of the movement. (Full Independent coverage here.)

In New Haven demonstrators and the police have gotten along, even worked together to keep the ongoing protest safe and within the boundaries of law. In New York Thursday, New Haven occupiers experienced a different dynamic.

Early in the morning protesters massed at Zuccotti Park. It was eerily quiet. By law they can assemble there again, but may not longer erect tents or camp out.

Hundreds of protesters converged on the New York Stock Exchange. New Haven demonstrators joined a soft block” to try to keep traders from getting in to work.

New Haven encampment organizer Josh Heltke prepared for the action by soaking bandanas in vinegar, to help filter out tear gas.

Police created a path for commuters to get to work. Police arrested over 200 protesters over the course of the day.

Sanders.

One of those arrested was Todd Sanders, from the New Haven contingent, after a scuffle with officers trying to clear a walkway for commuters.

Ray Neal also found himself thrown to the ground, but not arrested.

Clashes were reported between some of the demonstrators and cops; some harsh words exchanged between workers and protestors. Most traders were able to pass through in time for the 9:30 a.m. opening bell, but not before many encountered delays. Katherine Harris was one who had trouble getting in to work. She works in finance, she said. Apparently that’s not the thing to do these days.”

After more cop clashes, New Haveners joined the throng of demonstrators in a victory march” back to Zuccotti Park (also referred to as Liberty Park,” its original name) to reclaim our home!” Chants, drums, and cowbell filled the air.

Once they arrived, demonstrators started to seize barricades that cops had erected. Eventually a detente was reached. Other march attempts were contained, and a midday lull settled in along with rain.

Drew Peccerillo Photo

One violent incident in Zuccotti Park left a protestor bloody after tangling with cops. He had allegedly thrown a battery at police and snatched an officer’s hat, according to the New York Times. New Havener Drew Peccerillo recorded this image.

New Haven’s David McCarthy (center) occupied a Wall Street train stop.

More marches and rallies filled the afternoon and evening. Occupiers joined forces with a large student walk-out in Union Square. Occupiers and students then marched to Foley Square, where they were joined by unions. Several thousand people mustered there, then marched across the Brooklyn Bridge at around 7 p.m.

Foley Square.

The New York action coincided with a moment of reckoning for the Occupy Wall Street movement. Public opinion has begun to turn against the occupiers. The weather is turning colder, making camping more difficult.

Some in the movement are beginning to call for a change of tactics, to move beyond simple occupation to organized political action. Adbusters, the Canadian group that sparked the original protest, has suggested that it’s time to declare victory” and leave the camps.

Previous coverage of Occupy New Haven and Occupy Wall Street:

Who’s In & Who’s Out At The Occupation?
I Knew It — He’s A Scumbag”
Occu-Pies” Arrive
Occupation Weather(ize)s Its 1st Storm
Clergy Bless The Occupiers
Occupiers Eye Clock Factory
In New Haven, Occupiers” Embrace The Cops
Midnight Drug Warning Sparks Soul-Searching
Emergency Session Poses Democracy Test
The Password (The Password) … Is (Is) …
1,000 Launch New Haven’s Occupation”
Klein: Occupation Needs To Confront Power
Whoops! Movement Loses $100K
New Haven’s Occupation” Takes Shape
Occupy Branford: Wall Street Edition
Anti-Bankers’ Dilemma: How To Process $$
Labor, Occupiers March To Same Beat
Protests’ Demand: A World We Want To See”
Protesters To Occupy Green Starting Oct. 15
Wall Street Occupiers Page Verizon
New Haven Exports Free”-dom To Occupiers

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