Tucson protest includes tear gas, arrest
by Rachel Wilson Tuesday, Sep. 26, 2000 at 1:51 PM
rwilson@u.arizona.edu (520) 792-0761

Arizonans protest at the National Law Center, which represents the US in trade negotiations involving NAFTA.

Approximately 75 people gathered outside the National Law Center (Congress and Stone, in the BankOne building) at 4:30 today to protest in solidarity with the anti-IMF and World Bank demos in Prague. In keeping with the call to localize the anti-globalization actions, the National Law Center was the perfect location since that office represents the US in trade negotiations involving the implementation of NAFTA (among other trade agreements).

Early in the protest, a small group of demonstrators attempted to gain entrance to the BankOne building in order to talk to employees of the National Law Center. For a time, they were prevented from entering by security guards (the BankOne building is a "private" building, even though it houses a "public" office).

At some point several protesters gained entrance to the building, but were then confronted by police. A small chase ensued, with Tucsonan Daniel Patterson ending up in a headlock and pushed to the ground. As the police were attempting to handcuff Patterson, a crowd surrounded both Patterson and the police in order to prevent Patterson's removal. At that point, police yelled "Stand back!" Protesters refused to move and were pepper sprayed. Approximately 10 people were hit, with 4 or 5 people receiving serious sprays to the face and eyes. Other protesters quickly stepped in to flush the eyes of the sprayed.

Patterson was carted off to jail. As this was taking place, approximately seven more police cars joined the three already present. Officers emerged from the cars with rifles. An ambulance also arrived to assist those who had been sprayed. Protesters chanted "We're non-violent, how 'bout you?" The officers simply stood with their rifles.

After remaining at the scene for another half-hour to forty-five minutes, all ten police cars left. The protesters remained a little while longer.

Currently, nothing is known about Daniel Patterson's arrest (for example, what was he charged with?)or his current status. Observers noted that his arrest and the ensuing use of pepper spray seemed completely unwarranted. Many believe that a lawsuit will eventually be filed through the People's Law Center.

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