The fallout from the Free Trade Area of the Americas protests continues, and Miami's police chief is at the center of the controversy.
There were calls Tuesday night for Miami police Chief John Timoney to step down over what many call the "excessive force" used by his department in handling last month's protests.
The chief's critics demanded his resignation at a hearing organized by the AFL-CIO and lasting about four hours Tuesday night. The complaints are that too many peaceful protesters were hit by rubber bullets, gassed and denied access. The AFL-CIO said it is gathering such stories as evidence for a lawsuit.
"To Mayor (Alex) Penelas, I would say that you watched too many action-type, war movies," said Tony Fransetta of the Alliance for Retired Workers.
The secretary treasurer of the AFL-CIO is taking his complaint to the civilian investigative panel and says he was improperly searched. They are assuring the city it will see lawsuits in the near future.
Timoney has said the unions allowed anarchists into the march, and when those few attacked police, he says police had to act quickly and disperse crowds.
"We were not your enemy," Fransetta said. "We did not deserve what you did to us, and we will damned sure hold you accountable."
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