Occupy Oakland police brutality gets serious: Scott Olsen now sedated; "skull fracture and swelling of the brain"

Latest news, he will need surgery to remove the swelling to the brain: http://wp.me/p1VRvG-73

The cruel irony of a soldier gravely injured in his home country that he thought he was serving elsewhere. If you needed anymore proof, beyond the mountains of data that already exists, that the police in this country are out of control...

most of the OWS ideas are good but here is the harsh reality...
this movement is hollywood scripted. it is being financed by the obama, soros and banker elitists u r protesting against. it is a formula purposely designed to drive the US into a fascist/police state. these rallies r being sprinkled w/the right amount of agitators to ensure this. do this math. don't be ignorant and cavalier. it's there in plain site for u to see. don't take the bait.

So, they've decided to take it up a notch.

That reminds me of a good drink.

It requires a 750 ml glass bottle.

Typical ingredients include gasoline, ethanol, and tar.

The bottle is bundled with a pair of pyrotechnic storm matches, one on either side of the bottle. One or both of the matches are lit. The tar thickens the fuel mixture so that the fuel will adhere. The tar also produces a lot of smoke. Any flammable liquid could be used as the fuel. Other thickening agents included dish soap, egg whites, sugar, blood, and motor oil. ]

Happy drinking!

We can expect a whole lot more of this, and we should. Whenever the people rise up the government and the wealthy become afraid, and given that OWS is all about our dissatisfaction with government and the wealthy -- they will become more and more aggressive as time goes on.

I wish I could understand why human beings hurt other human beings. I wish I could understand why cops hurt the very group of people to which they belong. Alpha-male mentality and inferior intellect only go so far to explain it. Is that all it is? Cops are us, but they don't seem to realize it. Some of them do, but others act like the alpha male gorillas of the OPD. I wish I could understand it. It makes me feel ill, and confused because I can't even understand their motivation.

They are not going to crush this movement. Terrorist acts like this are going to ensure the victory of the OWS movement. History will watch videos of these pig cops with the same sort of disgust with which we currently watch cops turning the fire hoses on black people during the civil rights movements. Do they really want to be remembered as being of the same ilk as those bastards? I know there are good cops out there too, I am not referring to them. I am only referring to the violent, stupid, unthinking, bully, alpha-male types. What is wrong with them? Why can't I figure it out?

You would think police would feel patriotic (even though nationalism is stupid and exclusionary), but you'd think they'd be proud of American freedom (even though it's just an illusion). So it baffles my mind that if someone is proud of the "freedom" of their country, why do they actively work against it. Cops are not elite. They are us. When they violently beat what little freedom we have (our voices) out of us, they are literally beating the "freedom" out of themselves too. Is stupidity enough to explain this? Is alpha-male mentality, toughness, but the lack of a highly functioning brain to control such power the answer? What is it? I still don't get it. I wish I knew.

Again not all cops are bad. I am only talking about the bad ones. What is wrong wit them? I don't get it.

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. OWS is getting stronger.

All people who are being raped by the elite... we 99% need to put aside what differences we have and fight against our common enemy. Teabaggers and liberals alike. Together we are one.

E Pluribus Unum!

Where is Jerry Brown on this???

Maybe time for 'dungaree liberty'...against the a-hole cops..

I hope he pulls through OK .

This didn't have to happen . I am SO angry .

Send wishes to USMC Scott Olsen
Highland Hospital
1411 East 31st Street
Oakland, CA 94602

From OccupyMarines:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/occupymarines/call-to-arms/251395741575288
CALL TO ARMS
We at OccupyMARINES are asking ALL Occupy Wall Street members AND supporters to flood the Corporate media with pictures, videos, and personal stories of how troubling, disturbing, and WRONG the actions of the Oakland Police Department under the orders of the City of Oakland Ca. Mayor Jean Quan, were in the violent attempts to disperse peaceful protesters at Occupy Oakland on October 25th, 2011. We ask that you ESPECIALLY mention how horrifying it is that an Iraq Marine Veteran was seriously injured and taken to the hospital with a skull fracture from a police projectile. This is your revolution, this is your fight, this is your mission, WE ARE THE 99% - TAKE UP YOUR ARMS - KEEP PUSHING FORWARD! - NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND!
OccupyMARINES

CNN: http://ireport.cnn.com/topics/679338
ABC: http://abcnews.go.com/
MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
FOX: http://www.myfoxdc.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/OccupiedWSJ/status/129363597355778048

Great moment at #ows #nycga. $20,000 for legal and medical aid + 100 tents going to #OccupyOakland. "It's not our $, it's the movement's $"

This is a tweet from Occupy Wall Street ~

This is what war looks like. Police of America the protesters are not the criminals! Wall Street, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Koch industries and other large corporations, are the criminals. Do your jobs or resign.

I didn't see any protesters acting out. Why on earth would the police want to escalate the situation?

WHY!!!!

I've said before and I will say it again until the people I do care about listen...that's all the people here and the 99%. The police are not your friends....did you see a lot of black people there? You know why....cause we are not surprised by videos like this.....we see it everyday. How often have you had a gun pointed at you? Me, a number of times.....and non by a mugger or robber. I've had a number of guns pointed at me by police in the US!!!! Mostly for getting into a traffic offense..... Be careful people and you need to start standing up for yourself, truly.

Also, any marines seeing this....pretty indicates you should be out there at least protecting you brother....Semper FI. YOU WOULD LET NO MAN ON THIS PLANET OR THE NEXT EVER, EVER, EVER, GET AWAY WITH HURTING A FELLOW MARINE!!!!!! Police need to you to show them how to give respect.

Criminals with badges. Is this Xe working for Wall Street?

This police action was uncalled for just like the action in New York. It seems like the police in New York at least stopped trying to be extremely confrontational due to the boom in the number of protesters. I can only see that happening in Oakland as well now.

*Edit: If even one protester dies, this will probably cause a more violent backlash.

VERIFIED SAFE place to donate to help Scott Olsen - from Iraq Veterans Against the War http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5966/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?conte...

It only gets worse from this point onward.

UPDATE As of noon Wednesday, Olsen, 24, remained in critical condition at Highland Hospital in Oakland. A handful of friends, many of whom are also veterans of the Iraq war, stood vigil outside the emergency room door.

They said they had been informed by nurses that he was still unconscious. Aaron Hinde, an Iraq war veteran who, like Olsen is a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War, said Olsen was brought to the hospital by "two good Samaritans" around 8pm Tuesday evening and lost consciousness on the way to the hospital.

"I think its terrible for him to go two tours in Iraq and exercise his rights that he fought so hard to defend and get a serious injury like this," said his roommate Keith Shannon, who served alongside Olsen in the Marines in Iraq.

An Oakland police officer told The Bay Citizen that the police department is investigating a use of force incident that caused serious injuries, but that it may not be O.P.D. who was responsible.

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/updates-on-occupy-protests-nationwid...

Every day this goes on I'm more and more ashamed of my country.

Tell Mayor @jeanquan: Rubber bullets & tear gas on #OccupyOakland are not OK. Condemn & investigate brutality! http://t.co/7PtKFyt0

Obama should call in the National Guard like Kennedy did to protect people from the police.

If this Vet dies or is permanently disabled, the Oakland cops will see a new wave of protest that will only be greater fueled by this senseless act of violence. They keep giving OWS new rallying cries to strengthen the movement.

This is a long post. But for those that want to wade through it, it's the statement release from the Oakland Police. From a Huffington Post blog:

http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca/groups/cityadministrator/documents/pressrelease...

News from: Oakland Police Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 25, 2011
“Occupy Oakland” Activity Update
Oakland, CA: At approximately 4:00pm this afternoon, “Occupy Oakland” protesters began convening in front of the Oakland Library located at 125-14th Street. The group of approximately 400 – 500 protesters began to move in the direction between 14th and Broadway, and 7th and Broadway. Protesters in the area of 7th and Broadway began throwing paint or other hazardous material at the officers who deployed gas as a defense tactic. Officers redirected the group North toward Frank Ogawa Plaza where they are currently congregating. The Oakland Police Department has declared an unlawful assembly at this time, and issued an order of dispersal.
At approximately 7:45pm, officers began to deploy gas after issuing the order to disperse. We have received no reports of injuries at the time of this release.
To help ensure that accurate information is provided to you, below is a list of questions and answers.
Q. Why was an enforcement action taken this morning?
A. From the start of the demonstration two weeks ago, the City of Oakland focused on facilitating the protesters’ right to free speech and peaceful expression while maintaining public health, safety and crowd control. Over the past weeks, the City provided multiple and frequent written notices to outline requirements to protect the health and safety of the group and of the City Hall area. After the first weekend, the City received reports of problems, and communicated to the protesters about additional health and safety concerns. But by the end of last week, it was apparent that overnight camping would have to end due to health and safety issues and continued violations of the law. On Oct. 21, Frank Ogawa Plaza was red tagged, requiring protestors to vacate. On the morning of Oct. 25, many protestors left the plaza after Police announced that they would be arrested if they did not disperse. Those who chose to stay were removed without any reported injuries.
Q. What were the exact concerns for Health and Safety?
A. There were a series of safety conditions, including numerous reports of fighting, assault and threatening/intimidating behavior. Medical responders (AMR Ambulance Company) were denied access on at least two occasions to provide medical care. Furthermore, the Oakland Fire Department and Police Department were denied access to the Plaza to respond to calls for service.
Sanitation conditions worsened with frequent instances of public urination and defecation, as well as improper food storage. The existing rodent problem on the Plaza was exacerbated and vector control was unable to implement measures to control the rat problem due to the presence of overnight campers. The Plaza was physically damaged on a daily basis by graffiti, litter and vandalism. Fire hazards
continued unabated, including cooking with open flame, improper storage of grease, inadequate fire extinguishers, density of tents and flammable materials and smoking in tents. There were reports of public drinking and intoxication. Numerous complaints from employees and businesses were received regarding concern for safety.
Q. Why did the enforcement action occur early in the morning?
A. Last Wednesday, it became apparent that the tenor of the encampment had changed and that there were increasing incidents of violence. Reports of a man seriously beaten and continued denials of access to PD & FD for calls for service were received. As such, the City could no longer preserve health and safety of the protestors or the public. As part of the planning process, the Police asked the county and state for mutual aid—which was a 5-day process. The decision to execute the enforcement action on Tuesday morning was based on the reality that fewer individuals (as part of the protest and those going to work) would be present at the Plaza at the time, thus would be safer for all.
Q. When will the plaza reopen?
A. The City remains committed to respecting free speech as well as maintaining the City’s responsibility to protect public health and safety. At this time, the Plaza is closed to the public while Public Works cleans up hazardous waste and debris. For instance, it is known that there is human waste on the sidewalks and head and body lice, bed bugs that need to be cleaned and sanitized before the Plaza can be reopened to the public. Rodent/Vector will be brought in to exterminate. Once the plaza is deemed safe, it will be available for peaceful daytime assembly between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm. but no camping or overnight stays will be permitted. The City’s goal is to clean up the Plaza to facilitate free assembly.
Q. When will the arrestees be released?
A. The arrestees are in process of being cleared through the County. While the goal is to release these individuals this evening, the final result will be driven by the County’s workload, based on the County’s criteria for prioritizing processing of arrestees. Reports indicate that they will be released tonight.
Q. Did the Police deploy rubber bullets, flash-bag grenades?
A. No, the loud noises that were heard originated from M-80 explosives thrown at Police by protesters. In addition, Police fired approximately four bean bag rounds at protesters to stop them from throwing dangerous objects at the officers.
Q. Did the Police use tear gas?
A. Yes, the Police used a limited amount of tear gas for a small area as a defense against protesters who were throwing various objects at Police Officers as they approached the area. The objects included glass bottles, rocks, pots, pans, kitchen utensils and plates at Police Officers. In addition, the protesters sprayed a Fire Extinguisher on Police Officers.
Q. Where there any injures?
A. At this time, there are no reported injuries.
Q. Where there any children arrested or reported missing?
A. No. Contrary to reports on Facebook, there were no children arrested nor have been reported missing.

Like a Hydra: You cut off one head, nine grow back in its place.

http://my.firedoglake.com/spocko/2011/10/25/hey-oakland-pd-got-proof-of-proteste...

As I wrote just this weekend, the authorities will use alleged examples of protester on cop violence to convince the media and public that these encampments need to be shut down. Public officials will repeat even unconfirmed reports of protester on cop violence in order to create the impression that the protesters are a bunch of rock-throwing thugs that justify police wearing full riot gear to disperse the crowd.

Here is an example from the Oakland Tribune where the Oakland Police Department makes a statement to the media and is accepted at face value.

One police officer said that during the plaza camp shutdown, protesters threw several objects at police, including bottles, skillets, other kitchen utensils and rocks. They also “threw plates at us like Frisbees,” the officer said. Police confirmed that protesters had set off a fire extinguisher — mistaken at first for a smoke bomb — and several M-180 and M-1000 firecrackers, low-level explosives they used to try to confuse or deter oncoming police. (Kristin J. Bender and Sean Maher, Oakland Tribune)

I wasn’t at the dispersal. If I was I would ask the unnamed police officer a few questions:

1. Who threw that first rock, skillet, bottle?
2. Do you have video footage of these alleged protesters on cops violence?
3. I have video footage of the same event showing it didn’t happen as you described, would you care to see it and then recast your characterization?
4. Do you have the alleged throwers’ identities? If not, why not? Were they arrested? Can I talk to the accused skillet throwers? If they weren’t arrested, why not?
5. Is it possible that an agent provocateur or undercover cop was behind the alleged throwing?
6. Does the Oakland police department (and its supporting agencies) have undercover operatives embedded in the encampment? Would you even tell us if there were?)
7. If you have the identity of the alleged skillet throwers, do you know their motivation for throwing rocks? (An undercover cop and agent provocateur starting violence makes a big difference to how the movement is perceived by the public, and what steps are acceptable for police to take.)

Personally I’d love to see footage of someone throwing of kitchen utensils. What something was really thrown? Sporks? Spoons? Plates as Frisbees? Maybe they were using Frisbees as plates! Of course the veiled suggestion is knives.

The media will be fed the story that the protesters are “getting violent” even with no actual footage or footage of the exact opposite. Today’s Bay Area TV news casts will all follow the lead of the print reports and run with undocumented protester on cop violence. I wish I could get to reporters and producers to remember to be skeptical of police reports.

Should police statements be taken as truth? What if there is opposing video evidence?

Just watched wolf blitzer and not a word on this.

Huffington post blog
Oakland Police Lobbed Second Tear-Gas Canister At Crowd Aiding Injured Vet

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/occupy-oakland-protest-police-protester...

I am furious at this police state, and I am so proud of this veteran and his fellow protesters. Stay strong OWS.

We should all donate to help pay for his medical bills. Does anyone know if there are plans to do this yet?

As a veteran, I believe I deserve no better or worse than any other citizen of the United States of America. But as a veteran, a volunteer during the Vietnam draft, my credentials as willing to die for my country have been established.
So when Bill O'Reilly or his ilk refer to the Occupiers as 'Human Debris', I have a strong foundation to stand on that lets nobody have the right to call or treat me as garbage.
Something happened recently, heavily armed and armored troops fired bullets at unarmed US citizens. No, not in Iran or Syria, that would have caused an international incident, but in Oakland, California- a US city. Shame! Shame on anyone who participated in this massacre of freedom.
This is a mark of shame you will carry to your graves. This is a story you will never tell your grandchildren and one that should make you doubt your worthiness to be a US Citizen.
I hear there are other countries hiring those who have proven they are willing and capable of shooting unarmed civilians. You might think of emigrating. Please.

"Olsen has a "skull fracture and swelling of the brain". A neurosurgeon will assess Olsen later today to determine whether he needs surgery, Shannon said."

The good news is that if they didn't immediately do the craniotomy it sounds like it might be manageable. Unknown whether there will be any long-term damage from this report, and they probably don't know yet either. But it sounds like they've got the swelling under control and are not afraid of herniation at this time, which would be the worst thing.

God bless the IVAW, OccupyMarines, and especially Scott Olsen. Holding good thoughts for the Olsen family.

I never thought I would live to see a day when we would once again look at the Oakland Police as what we called them at UC during the "Free Speech movement: "Blue Meanies" (they used wooden bullets as well as rubber and clay ones). I think OWS should publicly call on the President to consider sending in federal troops to protect the protesters as was done in Selma when the racists there attacked the civil rights workers. These people are standing up for US all and pointing out the crimes committed by the 1% when they robbed our wealth by issuing worthless stock and making the profits while leaving home owners in the lurch and on the hook for all losses, while the rich took all the "profits". The protesters deserve support from all of the nation as they fight to make this the "equal before the law" land of freedom and justice for which too many have fought and died. Too much patriotic blood has been spilled for our freedoms for any of US to allow these brave citizens to be abused by those who are sworn to "serve and protect" or by the approval of their bosses who want to pander to the monied interests! The people united cannot be defeated! Peas.