2009-09-27
110 arrested in clash with police in Oakland
Saturday, September 26, 2009
In a repeat of a scene from Thursday night, police in riot gear confronted another crowd of more than 400 students and young people on the University of Pittsburgh campus last night.
An estimated 110 protesters were arrested after hundreds of police arrived and dispersed the crowd with a show of force and clouds of OC gas. Those arrested were taken into custody on the lawn between Heinz Chapel and the Cathedral of Learning.
Among the arrested was Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Sadie Gurman who was taken into custody while filing reports for the Post-Gazette’s web site and print edition. Ms. Gurman, who was wearing Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh summit media credentials around her neck when arrested before midnight, was released from jail shortly after 9 a.m. today.
The crowd began to form around 9 p.m. in Schenley Plaza.
Around 10:30, more than 400 people had gathered in the plaza, and police ordered the crowd to disperse. More and more police arrived on the scene and eventually encircled the crowd, which had spilled into Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard.
A flier circulated yesterday encouraging people to come to Schenley Plaza at 10 p.m.
Pitt students were advised to stay inside last night, and many have received alerts from the university via voicemail or text messages.
Junior Sean Malloy said he received a phone message saying, “conditions may be deteriorating in Oakland. Students are advised to remain near their residences.”