DALLAS - Occupy Dallas said it wants its marches to be like the one that took place Monday in front of the Bank of America building in downtown – purposeful and peaceful. The city of Dallas also wants more peaceful protests, without violent disturbances or clashes with police.
City leaders said they’ve looked at video from a chaotic demonstration this past weekend when eight protesters were arrested and three officers suffered minor injuries. One protester, 30-year-old Stephen Benevides, was involved in a confrontation with an officer. He now faces charges for assault on a public servant and resisting arrest.
Although Occupy Dallas has suggested otherwise, Dallas leaders said there was no wrongdoing on the part of the police officer in an incident that led to Benevides’ arrest.
“The video has been reviewed, examined. Findings are that police acted appropriately. You cannot push a police officer at all. That’s not something that we tolerate,” said Councilman Dwaine Caraway. “I don’t know how many strikes, but we’re getting fed up with it. Our eyes are on it.”
Leaders maintain the city has tried hard to balance the protesters’ First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble with residents’ rights and safety. If there are any more problems, they’ll consider taking steps to end the occupation.
City leaders said they’ve looked at video from a chaotic demonstration this past weekend when eight protesters were arrested and three officers suffered minor injuries. One protester, 30-year-old Stephen Benevides, was involved in a confrontation with an officer. He now faces charges for assault on a public servant and resisting arrest.
Although Occupy Dallas has suggested otherwise, Dallas leaders said there was no wrongdoing on the part of the police officer in an incident that led to Benevides’ arrest.
“The video has been reviewed, examined. Findings are that police acted appropriately. You cannot push a police officer at all. That’s not something that we tolerate,” said Councilman Dwaine Caraway. “I don’t know how many strikes, but we’re getting fed up with it. Our eyes are on it.”
Leaders maintain the city has tried hard to balance the protesters’ First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble with residents’ rights and safety. If there are any more problems, they’ll consider taking steps to end the occupation.
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