I was not there for the duration of the event, but I have heard first-hand accounts of just how chaotic things became.


I was told that protestors attempted to gain access the 4th floor where Gavin would be speaking (many were escorted out of the building), however some gained access to the 3rd floor and settled on hanging a banner out of a window. I was told protestors climbed on the roof of an adjacent building and hung a banner from the 4th floor terrace. I was told that Gavin’s wife (who was the DA on the Dog Mauling trial); while attempting to enter the backdoor, was slammed against it and repeatedly hit until police came to her rescue. I was told that The Center representatives were outside and attempting to calm the protestors, but had no effect. I was told that one protestor continued to throw his body into the police line- until (after the police warned “we WILL hit you”) the police responded with physical force. I was told that both Center representatives were “in shock” at what they were seeing in front of their face and pounded on the building doors until they were allowed access in order to escape the chaos.

I am all for protesting- I used to be involved in “direct actions” with the Lesbian Avengers, however when the protest involves physical assault, I am repulsed.