Just what happened is in dispute, as you will see below the video clip. It was all mixed in with OWS:
Twenty-four … arrests came when demonstrators marched to the Citibank at 555 LaGuardia in a mass attempt to close their accounts (see video below). They were all charged with criminal trespass, while one was also charged with resisting arrest. Now, Citibank is laying the blame for the arrests on the NYPD’s shoulders: “no one was arrested for closing an account; we didn’t lock people in our branch—the police decided to close the branch; and we didn’t ask for anyone to be arrested—that is a police decision.”
Well, we philosophers know there are tricky questions about what was really intended, and maybe it just was the helpful NY Police who want to ensure the protestors got new international publicity. Gosh, if so, thanks guys; you sure do know what makes a viral video.
And thanks to NC for the clip.
Do you know what happened to the woman manhandled outside the bank? The one in the suit and was picked up by that idiot and dragged over to the police? I dearly hope she’s ok. If theres anymore information, about the arrests, about WHO CALLED THE POLICE IN THE FIRST PLACE?!?! I can’t believe the bank is trying to say it was all the Police’s idea, when the bank HAD TO OF called them for them to find out, and who the hell has the keys to lock the doors? CITI BANK, and this video is evidence that they are, indeed, locked inside, or they wouldve been leaving. Not having to try and communicate through glass windows pleading for lawyers numbers. This whole thing makes me sick. Let me know if theres any updates on the event.
It is awful. Do look at the Gothamist site. Apparently Citibank says they called 911, but didn’t intend for the protestors to get arrested. There are also conjectures that the police have informers inside the OWS movement; it would be odd, surely, if they didn’t.
The woman picked up seems to have been arrested, and so is probably going to be in custody until early morning at least.
I should think googling could also get you more information. Also, dailykos.com has some people who are reporting from the frontlines, and they may be able to say more. Look for “recommended diaries” on the right side.
We, who are unable physically to be in Manhattan, can still stand in solidarity with these brave people, who are placing their bodies in the front line, at the teller’s counter.
Banks, in the ownership of the few, are unnecessary and unjust. We could, and should, all rely upon credit unions that are owned by their patrons.
On, or before, Saturday 5th November, (a) withdraw you cash from any account you have with a bank, (b) close that account, and (c) deposit your cash in a new account with a credit union. Instructions for finding your local credit union, and for participating in BANK TRANSFER DAY, are available here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=281139538577206.
Ahem. I hope that woman counters with an assault charge (I suppose kidnapping wouldn’t fly), and charges of unlawful confinement all around for those locked inside. Thanks for sharing.