Interesting. I took refuge with the KCPQ videographers while protesters were flipping cars and lighting dumpsters. A reporter I admire turned to me and said, "they're (SPD) protecting their (protesters) rights, but what about us, the media?" It was frustrating to watch a number of arguments turn to fisticuffs while the cops stayed in formation waiting to storm the remaining protesters, who were definitely outnumbered by the fellow trapped photographers and lookie-loos.
I ended up getting out of there when I recognized an officer from my neighborhood and ended up talking about gear for mountain bike and cyclocross racing, and finally said 'hey man, I've had to pee for 6 hours, mind if I run to Safeway really quick?"
If the cops had broken ranks to deal with the few "fisticuff" incidents, it would have quickly deteriorated into a full-blown riot. That the officers had the discipline to stand their ground, stay in formation and let that happen is a testament not only to their discipline, but their supervision. Believe me, it was probably harder for them to not intervene than it was for you to watch it. That's what cops do, after all.
The press occupies a unique place in situations like this. As a former career law-enforcement administrator, I can tell you that their first amendment right to be there is absolutely inviolate. However, that doesn't mean that they get or deserve any more service than anyone else. As a matter of fact, as a line officer many years ago, when the press wanted to get into areas that we had cordoned off from the public because of danger, I'd always let them in with the caveat... you're on your own. No one is coming to rescue you if you exercise poor judgment. That always got an interesting look from them. They'd go in, but I never had anyone exercise poor judgment once there. I think that
hearing that you're on your own before you go someplace you ought not to makes folks think twice about how far to venture in.
As the once "oldest-
living-certified-bike-cop" in my state for two years, I have a great deal of respect for those guys in that photo. That's a tough job, and even tougher under circumstances like that.
Having been in those situations several times over the years, I can also tell you that you were
too close to the epicenter of that particular party. But that IS where the good images are. And those are great shots!
🙂
