The ABC crew was legally working on a public sidewalk outside the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver. According to the initial report, big money folks were meeting in the hotel and didn't want the public's attention. (Hint: don't meet in public view.)
The cops were called, arrived and then decided to violate the U.S. Constitution. According to the report, "...the arrest followed a signed complaint from the Brown Palace Hotel."
ABC News reporter Asa Eslocker and crew handled it well considering a Boulder County deputy pushed Eslocker into traffic. Another cop puts a hand on Eslocker's throat while he's handcuffed.
I know some police officers. They're good people, but this is wrong. I hope legitimate law enforcement professionals elsewhere speak out.
The crew was legal. Their actions are protected by the First Amendment. The cops broke the law.
What's happened to this country when city and county employees willfully violate the U.S. Constitution because someone meets in public view?
Here's a link to the elected officials of Denver.
Enough for now,
UPDATE: Sept. 2, 2008
I received the following e-mail from the Denver mayor's office,
Dear Mark:
On behalf of Mayor Hickenlooper, thank you for taking the time to write. Please be aware that we take allegations of excessive force very seriously and will investigate fully and that the Internal Affairs Division of the Denver Police Department, and the City’s Independent Monitor are both looking into the incident. As soon as we know the facts, we’ll provide more information.
Thanks again for sharing your concerns.
Regards,
Office of Mayor John W. Hickenlooper
2 comments:
Wow, this is getting worse and worse. I'm sorry to see this story, the officer was pushing the reporter into the street with no regard for his life. Then grabbing his throat. Absolutely sad.
I'll be keeping an eye for a follow-up to this, please update your weblog if/when you have one.
Considering ABC already has lawyers involved, I expect we'll hear about it again in about three years when the case is resolved through the courts.
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