38 Arrests at OccupyAustin | #OccupyUnveiled

One of our authors was handing out surveys at City Hall last night and subsequently witnessed the events that took place:
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I first arrived mid-day and began introducing myself and getting to know people. We talked while some filled out our surveys. I got a great response from the survey, people were thanking me and this blog for the opportunity to speak as an individual. A few hours later, the sun was going down and I was freezing. Went home, ate, bundled up for the chilly night and headed back to City Hall. I continued passing out surveys for a few more hours, but was interrupted by Police action. The Police organized into a straight line and marched up the steps conveying confrontational body language. The brave ones did not move for the City Hall employee and the Police proceeded to push people aside, thus allowing the employee to confiscate the food table.

During the first two waves of Police attempting to intimidate everyone, 10 people were arrested for standing their ground. The people did not move as they blocked the table, the Police acted aggressively as they pushed them aside while passing around zip-ties. One Occupier said:

"The cop came up to me and I told him I wasn't moving. Then they started passing around zip-ties, getting ready to haul everyone away. Once I saw those zip-ties, I moved!"

Around this time, a Police van (used to haul people to jail) pulled up. At least five demonstrators were put into the van and shortly after, another van parked just behind the first. The use of power washers was announced to take place around 2AM/2:30AM, the demonstrators were discussing their options such as: we can stay as we are now and risk arrest, or we can move our belongings while they clean the area. Both vans pulled away as others helped move blankets, sleeping bags, computers, gadgets and what little was left of the food supply. After watching the videos online, documenting the tragic event in Oakland, I didn't stay much longer. As an observer, I was not willing to get arrested. Once the night was over, a total of 38 people were arrested by Police for defending the second food table and defending their right to assembly.

I personally have been skeptical about end result of OWS; however, these people have a right to assemble at City Hall. Unfortunately, we still have more surveys to pass around before publishing the results. Major Media corporations would learn a thing or two from these surveys and we intend to pass on the stats. On a lighter note; we sincerely hope all 38 people have been released from jail.

Stay strong and stand your ground.

Sincerely,
#OccupyUnveiled

OccupyAustin.org

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