On behalf of the Miami Police Department and our many law enforcement partners, I would like to express my appreciation for the patience, support and good spirits shown by Miamians during the recent FTAA summit. While there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the efforts of police during the summit, it is important to address the questions and accusations raised by some, particularly by the AFL-CIO.
Earlier this year, organized labor expressed intentions to mobilize rallies and parades for thousands of union members who opposed the formation of the FTAA [Free Trade Area of the Americas]. A great deal of time was committed by the police department to meetings with the AFL-CIO. These negotiations progressed with the expressed aim on both sides of preventing a recurrence of the massive criminal mayhem that accompanied the union's protest at the World Trade Organization gathering in Seattle. After many months of meetings, all parties agreed on a parade route and the hosting of protest rallies at the Bayfront Amphitheater. Throughout the negotiations, the police department was clear that all plans were subject to change should the police be confronted with violence during the summit week.
While negotiating with the police department, AFL-CIO representatives were also negotiating with the ''Direct Action'' protest groups whose coalition of protesters includes the self-described ''anarchists'' responsible for the violence in Seattle and other cities hosting world trade events. In the days before the event, the AFL-CIO informed the police department that it had been unsuccessful in convincing the coalition groups to schedule their planned unlawful activities on a day other than Thursday [Nov. 20], when the union's own march and rallies were scheduled. One AFL-CIO representative incredibly suggested that the police should allow the coalition to tear down a portion of the security fence, implying that such action would satiate that group's appetite for violence and mayhem. Of course, the Miami Police Department immediately rejected this reckless suggestion.
On Wednesday afternoon [Nov. 19], union members engaged in a peaceful march from the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts on Flagler Street to Bayside Marketplace accompanied by bicycle officers from the Miami Police Department. Later that night, a peaceful rally was held at the amphitheater by the same union members. However, at the close of that rally, a speaker from the coalition was invited to address the crowd. This individual made clear the coalition's intention to attack the police security fence the next day and invited the participation of audience members.
On Thursday, at 7 a.m., two separate groups of protesters initiated simultaneous marches in different parts of the city. These non-sanctioned marchers were escorted to the security fence by Miami police officers with the intention of providing the marchers with a symbolic victory march to the fence. This goodwill demonstrated by police was met with a barrage of debris and a storming of police lines by protesters. Grappling hooks were attached to the security fence in an attempt to pull it down. Only the swift and courageous action of police using non-lethal tools foiled their plans and dispersed the violent crowd. At this point, the tenor of the day was changed and police were compelled to adopt a more defensive posture.
STREETS BLOCKED
The coalition marchers re-formed on Biscayne Boulevard in front of the amphitheater, interfering with the logistical preparations for the sanctioned AFL-CIO rally and march. Coalition members blocked streets, limiting the number of buses allowed onto Biscayne Boulevard. These same groups were then invited by the union into the amphitheater and to join the AFL-CIO parade. The parade was escorted without incident by Miami Police Department bicycle officers in short sleeves and short pants. Police officers wearing protective armor were moved several blocks away from the parade route in recognition of the peaceful nature of the AFL-CIO marchers.
At the conclusion of the parade, the AFL-CIO marchers and some of their coalition guests re-entered the amphitheater for a rally. At the same time, arrangements were being made to have 10 buses, escorted by bicycle officers, come to the amphitheater to pick up senior citizen marchers. At this point, without notice or provocation, hundreds of coalition protesters who remained on the street began to attack police officers located at Second Street and Biscayne Boulevard. Assorted debris, projectiles and tear gas were thrown at the police. Police immediately stationed officers at the amphitheater to prevent union protesters from exiting and becoming engulfed in the violent crowd gathered on Biscayne Boulevard. Coalition protesters continued their attack on police and started fires in the street. A separate group of police officers began dispersing the violent group. Numerous warnings and orders to disperse were issued by police with little compliance. Some force was necessary for police to overcome the assault on officers and the refusal to disperse. Within an hour, the violent group was dispersed from downtown with minimal property damage and some arrests. However, in the process, 17 police officers suffered physical injury, including six requiring hospital treatment.
REPORT UNDERWAY
I very much regret any occasion when police have to resort to force to overcome a violent attack. This is particularly true when the organized attack is mounted from within a group of law-abiding citizens. The Miami Police Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of the entire FTAA security operation and will produce a public report of our findings.
Some fingers have been pointed at the police for allegedly chilling free speech and inconveniencing AFL-CIO marchers. In fairness, the AFL-CIO should look inward and question the wisdom of inviting avowed troublemakers to participate in a rally and march alongside thousands of union members and retirees.
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