Upon the Gears of the War Machine

10/10 – 10/11/02
San Francisco Federal Building,
Stop The War Protest & Blockade.
Non-violent civil disobedience protesting Congressional vote authorizing U.S. State Terrorism.
Photos focus on Blockade at Federal Building's Parking Garage ramp.
Protesters blocked the Fed. Building Parking Garage for close to 4 hours.

Federal Cops and Security Guards made repeated violent attempts at breaking the line but eventually gave up trying.
Federal Cops gave security guards clubs.
(Are Federal Security guards trained/authorized to use those?)
One security guard walked up to a protester and without warning started choking him.
(See photo of “Choker” below)
Later, when confronted with his actions, "Choker" said:
"He pushed me."
A lie.
The protester he choked had his wrist duct taped to the wrists of those standing on either side of him.

Over 40 were arrested for civil disobedience at other entrances to the building. Only one at the Parking Garage entrance. I guess these guys preferred just to shove, beat, and choke people instead of making arrests.

More about the Federal Building action:
http://www.indybay.org/news/2002/10/1535750.php