MINNEAPOLIS (AP) September 4th
“After a rousing concert at the Target Center in Minneapolis, police reportedly arrested close to 85 protesters after a standoff near 1st Avenue Wednesday night.
Officers set up lines to contain the group of about 200 protesters shortly after midnight, as they left a Rage Against the Machine concert; a band, known for its disdain current politicians and policies, or what they call ‘the corruption of the American democracy.’
A day before, the band held an impromptu concert on the steps of the State Capitol. They sang an acapella version of one of their signature songs, ‘Bulls On Parade,’ which accuses the arms industry of encouraging military action for profit.
Eight years ago, as President Bill Clinton addressed the nation from the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, Calif., riots tore through the streets outside, as hundreds of protesters who had also recently attended a Rage Against the Machine concert, clashed with police.
Due to that incident, Twin Cities police agencies turned to a Los Angeles Police commander for advice in preventing a similar situation.
“We brought [the commander] in, in part, because of his experience with Rage Against the Machine. We have prepared very diligently for the two or three different events where they have been billed to attend,” said St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington.
Crews removed newspaper boxes near the Target Center earlier in the day, hoping to eliminate items that could be used as weapons off the streets.
Those arrested after Wednesday night’s concert are being held at the Ramsey County Jail, pending criminal charges.”
I would love to be a fly on the wall at the Ramsey County Jail tonight.
