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I’m in East Liberty this evening where protesters are circling up near the Target at Penn & Centre Aves. The action comes days after plainclothes police officers in an unmarked white van arrested a bike marshal during a Civil Saturdays demonstration. @905wesa
Civil Saturdays have been held weekly by Black, Young & Educated since June to call for an end to police brutality through legislative changes. Here’s more about what happened Saturday: https://www.wesa.fm/post/protesters-city-officials-want-answers-regarding-arrest-during-saturday-demonstration
Organizers here have been critical of Mayor Bill Peduto. Namely for his response to the arrest Saturday which initially cited limitations to organizers’ right to protest. He later condemned the arrest, saying footage of it made him “livid.” @905wesa
Members of multiple activist groups are here tonight. Nique Craft is addressing the crowd now. Citing the importance of educating each other during actions. @905wesa
Some media members are being blocked from gathering footage by protestors with black umbrellas. This has become more common at recent demonstrations. @905wesa
Nique points out the 30-40 bike marshals here tonight. Instructs protestors and media to follow the perimeter set up by the bikes. Says they’re here to protect and direct. Bike marshals have been part of actions like these in Pittsburgh since early July by my experience. @905wesa
Center & Penn aves are being blocked as demonstrators take to the streets. A Port Authority bus was held up as it approached the intersection. You can see it reversing back down Penn Ave in this clip. @905wesa
Police presence has arrived. They’re a block over at the moment. Bike marshals continue putting themselves between marchers and cars/streets. @905wesa
“Turn up don’t turn down. We do this for Antwon.” Some local residents have appeared on their porches and stoops to clap along as we head up S Highland Ave. @905wesa
Circling up at Fifth and Beechwood. Nique says they hope to speak with Peduto tonight, but doubts he’ll come outside.
They tell protestors to look out for each other “And nobody gets kidnapped today because that shit’s weird.” @905wesa
They tell protestors to look out for each other “And nobody gets kidnapped today because that shit’s weird.” @905wesa
A fair share of neighbors have come on to their porches as we pass by. @905wesa
And we’ve arrived at the Mayor’s home. Seven officers stand out front. A few have bicycles. @905wesa
We’ve circled up outside of Peduto’s house for the rally. A neighbor walking her dog came by and asked organizers to “be peaceful.” Police have directed her along the sidewalk away from the scene. @905wesa
Responding to calls from authorities for protestors to work with police on protest routes, organizers ask a civil affairs officer to take off her badge and join them. @905wesa
Several doors down from the speeches stands a man in a red hat on a back porch with signs that read “All USA lives matter” and “Trump.” He’s exchanged a few words with bike marshals here blocking off the street. @905wesa
Hundreds are blocking off Mayor Peduto’s block this evening. Several protestors have indicated plans to sleep here if they otherwise don’t speak with Peduto. @905wesa
