Press Release: City Manager orders raid of OccupyDallas camp

Dallas, TX, November 17, 2011 — Police officers in riot gear raided the OccupyDallas camp early Thursday morning after City Manager Mary Suhm rescinded the agreement with protesters and ordered evictions. Members of the camp who have been protesting for over 42 days were given no notice from the city before police strategically surrounded them.

                In an excessive show of force, mounted officers on horseback trotted onto the scene while police sport utility vehicles lined the streets. Jonathan Winocour, the lawyer working with OccupyDallas, was sent a fax at 11:46 p.m. from the City Attorney's office informing him of the city's intention to forcibly remove the peaceful protesters. Minutes after Winocour relayed the message to protesters, the members of the media were warned to leave by police loudspeaker. They were relocated across the street while the police loudspeaker issued a statement to the remaining OccupyDallas members. The protesters were given 20 minutes to collect their personal property and vacate the park.

                After the 20 minute deadline had expired, police officers carrying shields lined the sidewalk and began moving into the camp. They searched each tent before arresting those who had chosen to stay. In total, 17 protesters were arrested for refusing to leave the park.

                The raid on the camp comes less than 24 hours after Winocour met with city officials who assured him that there were no plans to evict the protesters. Protesters were warned by members of the media that police officers were being briefed and prepared for the raid on the camp.

OccupyDallas advisor Glynn Wilcox was shocked to discover that City Manager Suhm failed to notify Mayor Rawlings and the members of the City Council of the police action. The raid comes on a day which has been planned as a National Day of Action across the country.

                For more information, contact Michael Prestonise at 214-293-0548 or news@occupydallas.org. More information, including additional multimedia content, can also be found at www.occupydallas.org.

Press Release: OccupyDallas supporter assaulted

Dallas, TX, November 9, 2011 — Among the issues facing the Occupy movement across the country, the actions of the radical few who seek to incite violence against fellow protesters and police officers is one which is continually denounced. The non-violent nature of these peaceful protests remain a key to their success in raising awareness of the corruption on Wall Street.

     During an off-site dinner meeting at a local cafe in Deep Ellum Tuesday night, supporter Glynn Wilcox was physically assaulted by Stephen Benavides, despite attempts to bring calm to the aggressive situation. The unofficial gathering at BuzzBrews centered around discussion of the issues facing the OccupyDallas movement. As a dozen members of the group, including supporters Wilcox and attorney Jonathan Winocour, engaged in conversation, an argumentative Benavides approached and began criticizing them for their involvement. "You're not a part of the 99%" shouted Benavides. He went on to demand the expulsion of two members of the Media work group on the grounds that they were 'elitists' and criticized them for inadequate food preparations at the camp.

     As Wilcox and the other members present attempted to de-escalate the situation, Benavides lunged forward and violently assaulted the supporter. After striking him in the face several times, Benavides turned and ran from the scene. The police were called immediately and several statements were made by witnesses.

     This episode of violent rage highlights the issue of radical individuals attempting to incite violence among fellow protesters.

The members of OccupyDallas continue to denounce violence as a method of protest and voted weeks ago that any show of violent force was grounds for immediate expulsion from the camp. Files have been charged against Benavides for assault by Wilcox. Another member has also filed charges against Benavides for making threats of violence.

     For more information, contact Michael Prestonise at 214-293-0548 or news@occupydallas.org. More information, including additional multimedia content, can also be found at www.occupydallas.org.

Press Conference -- 6 p.m. -- Lew Sterrett Jail [Press relase]

Members of the Media: OccupyDallas will be holding a press conference outside of Lew Sterrett jail at 6 p.m. concerning the release of a protester who was arrested Saturday, Nov. 5, after being shoved to the ground by an off-duty police officer. Stephen Benavides will be released from jail today after being held for four days.

OccupyDallas responds to letter from city officials

OccupyDallas responds to letter from city officials

Dallas, TX, November 9, 2011 — Members of OccupyDallas have responded to the letter from the city published Tuesday evening. Here is an excerpt from the response, written by supporter Glynn Wilcox:

                “In response to the letter from the City of Dallas, OccupyDallas would like to reiterate our commitment to abide by the agreement between OccupyDallas and the City. As Dallas citizens, and per our agreement, OccupyDallas is assessing the concerns that Manager Suhm and First Assistant City Attorney Bowers have raised.

                “OccupyDallas takes offense to the notion that the city is giving us the right to be on Dallas property. The city has recognized that the OccupyDallas encampment is a First Amendment Activity and is therefore protected under the First Amendment. OccupyDallas has been more than willing to engage in meaningful and productive interactions with City Staff and those on the Council including the Mayor’s Office. We have repeatedly made the invitation for anyone to address the General Assembly or speak directly with individuals conforming to the agreement that only a limited number of members may enter city hall to speak with staff or our elected city officials.”

                The city of Dallas has threatened to shut down the camp at 5 p.m.

Saturday if protesters do not comply with their demands. The city’s letter mentions the perceived escalation of tensions between protesters and police. Tensions which led to the arrests of several protesters on Saturday, Nov. 5 for ‘improper use of a sidewalk,’ after an off-duty police officer shoved a protester to the ground.

Press Release: Five OccupyDallas protesters released from jail

Dallas, TX, November 7, 2011 — After being held for 36 hours on the charge of 'improper use of a sidewalk,' five OccupyDallas protesters were released from Lew Sterrett jail a little after 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.

The group submitted the paperwork required to post bail before 10 a.m.

Sunday morning and was surprised that protesters weren't released for another 15 hours. "They should not have spent 36 hours in jail for jaywalking," says Cordell Cameron, a member of the Media work group.

      One of the protesters who remains locked up is being held on a felony charge of assaulting an officer. He is the protester who was allegedly shoved to the ground by off-duty officer Jay Hollis. Several videos of this event and other police actions which followed as a result have been posted on the OccupyDallas Facebook page. The group has published an open letter to Lt. Williams on their website urging him to drop all charges.

Press Release: OccupyDallas stands in solidarity with the people of Syria

Dallas, TX, November 6, 2011 — Members of OccupyDallas watched online early Sunday morning as tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Mourat al Nouman, Syria to show their support for the local movement. Protesters held signs, written in English and Arabic, and chanted in the streets. In response, a statement was posted on the OccupyDallas News website. It

reads:

      “As we mark the one-month anniversary of the occupation of our city, the people of OccupyDallas will stand together and march in solidarity with the people of Syria. As our brothers and sisters in Syria fight to break free from an oppressive regime that has resorted to extreme brutality and criminal violence, we stand up to support them.

      “In countries across Africa and the Middle East, the people are standing up and we march to support them. The movements may be known by different names and they may fly different flags but we are one. Today, as every day, we stand together as one. With a single voice we make our demands.

No longer shall the people live in forced submission. No longer shall we watch as the centers of power ignore the needs of the people.

      “We protest openly in our city streets, carry signs and chant slogans in defiance of the tyranny that has spread across the world. We demand freedom as a basic right for all of humanity. We demand the right to speak freely and will no longer suffer the silencing of our voices. We are the 99% and we will be victorious. They cannot stop what has begun.

As we stand together our voice only grows louder. Every day new comrades join in the fight for freedom.

      “To President Bashar al-Assad: you have tortured, imprisoned and killed those who speak out against your regime. Your inhumane and evil deeds will not go unpunished. The whole world is watching and the people of Syria cannot be censored or defeated.

      “At 4 p.m. Sunday we will gather together at Pioneer Plaza and march throughout the city shouting our support for the people of Syria and the rest of our brothers and sisters fighting for their freedom. After the march we will hold a candlelight vigil and read off the names of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Syria. The people of OccupyDallas proudly add our voice and join in singing the song of human freedom.”

      For more information, contact Michael Prestonise at 214-293-0548 or news@occupydallas.org. More information, including additional multimedia content, can also be found at www.occupydallas.org.

Press Release: Off-duty officer instigates violence at OccupyDallas protest

Off-duty officer instigates violence at OccupyDallas protest

Dallas, TX, November 5, 2011 — OccupyDallas has secured video footage of off-duty officer Jay Hollis, badge #6896, after he shoved a protester while moonlighting security for Bank of America. The events which followed, leading to several arrests, were instigated by Hollis when he pushed his way through protesters outside of the bank.
Today, the fifth of November, is definitely now a day which will not soon be forgotten. OccupyDallas protesters marched to the Bank of America Plaza in support of Bank Transfer Day, a national event which calls for supporters to close their bank accounts with large corporate banks and move their money into community credit unions. As protesters held signs and chanted in unison, Hollis, working as a security agent on behalf of Bank of America, made his way through the crowd. After a protester refused to move out of his way, Hollis shoved the man and instantly sparked tensions between protesters and police officers. One protester, carrying the flag of the United Steelworkers union (USW), was standing a few feet away on the sidewalk when an officer grabbed at the flag and pulled him onto the street. The altercation resulted in one officer stumbling to the ground after attempting to tackle the protester. A police bicycle was also knocked over during the scuffle. As the protester returned to the sidewalk he was chased by several other officers and arrested. He has been charged with a felony and is currently being held at Lew Sterrett jail.
Protesters then interviewed Hollis asking him why he instigated the aggression. Shortly after the interview, two other protesters were also violently dragged from the sidewalk and arrested. One of the protesters, Paul Penny, was arrested two weeks ago during a protest outside of Chase bank. He sustained minor injuries to the face when officers pulled him out onto the street and sprayed pepper spray in his face.
These events come just a day after a flash mob of protesters descended upon Rosa Parks Plaza and ‘dropped dead’ to bring awareness to the use of excessive force by police. Hundreds of peaceful protesters in the US have been injured as a result of police brutality. Overseas, thousands have been injured and killed as a result of violent attacks on protests.
For more information, contact Michael Prestonise at 214-293-0548 or news@occupydallas.org. More information, including additional multimedia content, can also be found at www.occupydallas.org.

Image: Protester Paul Penny after being sprayed with pepper spray, by Barry Hardin

Occupy Dallas
Protester that was pulled off sidewalk and thrown to ground. We are currently uploading the video of this event.


http://www.facebook.com/OccupyDallas 

Press Release: Flash mob descends on Rosa Parks Plaza

Flash mob descends on Rosa Parks Plaza

Dallas, TX, November 4, 2011 — More than a dozen OccupyDallas protesters took part in a flash mob Friday at Rosa Parks Plaza to protest the violence perpetrated against peaceful demonstrators around the world.

Around 2:15 p.m., protesters who covered their clothes in fake blood ‘dropped dead’ in the middle of the plaza. Meanwhile, a masked protester spoke to on-lookers about the thousands who have been killed overseas in violent attacks conducted by police and military.

      Since the beginning of their occupation, members of the OccupyDallas movement have employed a wide variety of protest tactics to spread their message. Rallied together in opposition to corporate greed and the influence of private money on politics, protesters continue to occupy City Hall Park and use the downtown location as a base for protests throughout the city. The protest today highlighted issues concerning the violence which has been carried out on peaceful civilian protesters in countries around the world. From Boston to Oakland, police have employed excessive force in breaking up protests. In countries around the world, police have responded violently to protesters. An estimated 30,000 protesters have been killed during the ‘Arab Spring’ revolutions. In Syria alone, an estimated 4,027 protesters have been killed since their movement began in late January. OccupyDallas plans to march Sunday in solidarity with Syrian protesters and will be meeting at 4 p.m. in Pioneer Plaza.

UPDATE: The State of Our Occupation

Post from Occupy Dallas.com


Newcomers and Old Friends,

I'm going to describe some of the changes we made today at camp as well as update you on our current status. If you'd like to join us, consider this your guide:
Your first destination should be our Welcome Tent. Once inside, you will find helpful occupiers which will ask you for some information and give you some as well. Essentially, your name (or handle), any contact information you care to share and what workgroup or committee you'd like to join.
In our occupation, everyone has responsibilities and we've separated those into “work groups”. They are: Art, Education, Protest, Medical, Safety, Media, Cooking, Outreach and of course, Protest. New groups form and merge almost on a daily basis! There are no unemployed in our camp. Everyone has an occupation. Pick something that interests you. If it doesn’t fit, don’t get discouraged. You can always pick another group. Most of our members work in more than one.

read on

#OccupyDallas Press Releases pt 2

Over 350 Attend Occupy March
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org Over 350 turn out for OccupyDallas solidarity march Dallas, TX, Oct. 15, 2011 — Dallas Police estimate that over 350 people attended the OccupyDallas solidarity march Saturday. The protest was coordinated with occupy movements across the United States as a show of unity between the several hundred occupations currently taking place. One protester, Wendy Crow reported that "As

OccupyDallas-declaration-of-purpose
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org OccupyDallas declaration of purpose Dallas, TX, Oct. 15, 2011 — OccupyDallas released a declaration of purpose Saturday in conjunction with their solidarity march on the Goldman Sachs building downtown. The declaration is as follows: The following is an excerpt from the declaration of the occupation for New York City made at the OWS general assembly on September 28, 2011: "A

24 protesters arrested outside Chase bank [Press Release]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
24 protesters arrested outside Chase bank

Dallas, TX, Oct. 24, 2011 – 24 members of OccupyDallas were arrested today outside of Chase when they locked arms in front of the bank and refused to move. Protesters and supporters of the Occupy movement entered the bank to close their accounts. Throughout the past week, several hundred people in the Dallas area have signed the petition requesting account closures.
The OccupyDallas movement prepares to begin its fourth week on Thursday and this marks the first time Dallas Police have moved in to arrest protesters. While others held signs and chanted slogans protesting the influence of corporate greed on the legislative process in Washington D.C., two dozen protesters sat down in front of the entrance to the bank and locked arms. They formed a barricade three rows thick and ignored demands from police to move out of the way. After a final warning, police began arresting protesters and took them to the Lew Sterrett jail downtown. Members of OccupyDallas followed and sat outside the prison to await their fellow occupiers release.
For more information, contact Michael Prestonise at 214-293-0548 or news@occupydallas.org. More information, including additional multimedia content, can also be found at www.occupydallas.org.

The OccupyDallas movement began Thursday, Oct 6 with a march from Pike Park to the Federal Reserve building. Over 1,000 people gathered to protest corporate greed and money influencing the government. The movement currently has more than 120 members occupying City Hall Park in downtown, with hundreds more joining in daily for marches to various corporations and banks throughout the city. The movement stands in solidarity with similar Occupy movements happening across the nation and the world, including the original Occupy Wall Street protest that featured tens of thousands of marchers and continues to grow.

# # #
24 protesters arrested outside Chase bank

Over 350 turn out for OccupyDallas solidarity march #OccupyDallas Press Release

Over 350 turn out for OccupyDallas solidarity march

Dallas, TX, Oct. 15, 2011 — Dallas Police estimate that over 350 people attended the OccupyDallas solidarity march Saturday. The protest was coordinated with occupy movements across the United States as a show of unity between the several hundred occupations currently taking place. One protester, Wendy Crow reported that "As we marched, people were getting out of their cars and joining us."

                At 1 p.m. Saturday, protesters gathered together at Pioneer Plaza and began the 2 mile march to the Goldman Sachs building. Protesters carried signs, shouted slogans and raised their fists in the air in vocal opposition to the financial institutions which the marchers blame for the economic crisis. Crow, 35 year old resident of Waxahachie, has been involved with the group since October 6. Her husband Phillip operates the OccupyVeterans Facebook page and Twitter account. When asked why they joined the movement, Crow replied, "We believe that people can change, that there is good in the world and we want to be able to tell our children that when this happened, we were there."

#OccupyDallas Press Releases

Special Event Permit
Special Event Permit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org OccupyDallas seeks Special Event Permit Dallas, TX, Oct. 11, 2011 — OccupyDallas officially applied for a special event permit from the city on Monday. After hearing word of OccupyWallStreet receiving permission from Mayor Bloomberg to remain in Zuccotti Park indefinitely, the protesters in Dallas had high hopes that city officials would follow suit. After talks with Special

Occupy Dallas Surrounded
Occupy Dallas Surrounded
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org OccupyDallas surrounded by law enforcement Dallas, TX, Oct. 11, 2011 — Reports are coming in from the OccupyDallas security team that law enforcement is now stationed on three sides of the park, including a mixture of US Marshalls, Dallas Police and County Sherrifs. As a precaution, the members of OccupyDallas are gathering together on the front lawn of Pioneer Plaza to keep

Occupy Dallas Remains in Park
Occupy Dallas Remains in Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org Occupy Dallas remains in Pioneer Plaza despite real fear of nighttime raid. With over 100 people and over 25 tents set up in Pioneer Plaza the group fights to recover from the heavy rainstorm that moved in Tuesday night. With continuing rain forecast for Wednesday afternoon the focus of everyone involved is to rebuild infrastructure and to continue improving their presence in

Occupy Dallas Rainstorm
Occupy Dallas Rainstorm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org OccupyDallas continues despite heavy rainstorm Dallas, TX, Oct. 9, 2011 — Over 100 members of OccupyDallas camped out in Pioneer Plaza park Saturday night despite the heavy rainstorm which began around 11:45 p.m. Saturday. The occupiers sent up a 'tent city' in the park to provide shelter and a dry place to sleep for the tired protesters who had walked nearly 11 miles through

Occupy Dallas Federal Court
Occupy Dallas Federal Court
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org OccupyDallas await decision from federal court Dallas, TX, Oct. 14, 2011 — The federal court case concerning the occupation of Pioneer Park will be heard some time after 10 a.m. Friday. Members of the group which have been camped out in downtown Dallas for the past week continue to proclaim that their occupation is a protest which is protected by the first amendment and there

Letter to City Officials
Letter to City Officials
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org OccupyDallas public letter to city officials Dallas, TX, Date — OccupyDallas has published a public letter to the city officials of Dallas concerning their occupation of the Pioneer Plaza park. This is the text of the letter, in it's entirety: To: Mayor Mike Rawlings, Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano, Deputy Mayer Pro Tem Tenell Atkins, Councilwoman Delia Jasso, Councilman Scott

City Hall Protest
City Hall Protest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Michael Prestonise OccupyDallas (214) 293-0548 news@occupydallas.org www.occupydallas.org OccupyDallas protests outside city hall Dallas, TX, Oct. 11, 2011 — In response to the Permit issue regarding OccupyDallas remaining in Pioneer Plaza, Members of the group marched from the park to city hall

#OccupyDallas Press Release: Occupy Dallas remains in Pioneer Plaza despite real fear of nighttime raid. Wed 10/12/2011 2:18 PM

Occupy Dallas remains in Pioneer Plaza despite real fear of nighttime raid.

      With over 100 people and over 25 tents set up in Pioneer Plaza the group fights to recover from the heavy rainstorm that moved in Tuesday night. With continuing rain forecast for Wednesday afternoon the focus of everyone involved is to rebuild infrastructure and to continue improving their presence in the park.

      It was a night of uncertainty and struggle for the members of OccupyDallas. As security team members reported across walkie-talkies that unmarked vehicles were patrolling the area, members were reminded of the events which occurred in Boston just the day before where Police surrounded the occupiers and then raided the camp, arresting over 140 people. Eventually, one of the unmarked vehicles was identified as belonging to an independent journalist which quickly resolved much of the fear. However, it was a short reprieve as the heavy rain and strong winds moved in. The storm, coupled with the cooler temperatures, provided yet another challenge for OccupyDallas members to overcome.

      Wednesday marks the seventh day of occupation for the protesters in the park and they remain positive and continually unified behind their cause. Former Mayor, and current City Councilman for district four, Dwaine Caraway is expected to visit the park today in a show of solidarity with the protesters.

      For more information, contact Michael Prestonise at 214-293-0548 or news@occupydallas.org. More information, including additional multimedia content, can also be found at www.occupydallas.org.

      The OccupyDallas movement began Thursday, Oct 6 with a march from Pike Park to the Federal Reserve building. Over 1,000 people gathered to protest corporate greed and money influencing the government. The movement currently has more than 150 members occupying Pioneer Plaza in downtown, with hundreds more joining in daily for marches to various corporations and banks throughout the city. The movement stands in solidarity with similar Occupy movements happening across the nation and the world, including the original Occupy Wall Street protest that featured tens of thousands of marchers and continues to grow.

Contact:

Michael Prestonise

OccupyDallas

(214) 293-0548

news@occupydallas.org

www.occupydallas.org