19 arrested as Galveston police use pepper spray to disperse Mardi Gras crowd

[TexasTowelie]

Police tossed pepper spray canisters into a Mardi Gras crowd early Sunday that refused to clear Galveston streets at closing time, according to the Galveston Police Department.

"Officers used practiced and authorized techniques to disperse the crowd and clear the barricaded street," Galveston Police Henry Chief Porretto said in the press release. "We will continue to evaluate and train our personnel to handle such incidents."

About 12:40 a.m., Galveston and University of Texas-Medical Branch police officers lined up at 20th Street and began the march west down the Strand, guiding revelers to the exits, the release said. About 13 minutes later, police found a large crowd at 22nd Street had moved fencing installed to separate crowds from a parade earlier in the day.

When officers approached to remove the barrier, some members of the crowd began throwing bottles, the release said.

More at http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/19-arrested-as-Galveston-police-use-pepper-spray-5282324.php?cmpid=hpts .

[TexasTowelie]

2. It does seem like an over-reaction considering that before the police showed up the only problem was

that the crowd failed to disperse and moved some barriers. Considering the revenue that Mardi Gras brings to Galveston and that it is supposed to be a party atmosphere, some leeway would be appropriate. The article indicates that there wasn't any property that was damaged and 1:00 is early on a Saturday night, particularly since closing time at most bars in urban areas in Texas is at 2 a.m. on weekends (although I don't know the local ordinances for Galveston).

I guess that the only positive thing that can be said is that the police didn't taser the crowd.

[TexasTowelie]

4. There is a reasonable doubt about your first statement since I'm relying on the news story,

but I have no doubt regarding the accuracy of your second statement.

I also wonder what might be missing from this story, like whether the protesters were gay or racial bias was involved.
I'll see if there is some more information to update the story.

[TexasTowelie]

7. I found another story online that also includes some video footage.

http://www.kens5.com/news/Galveston-police-use-OC-canisters-on-violent-group-after-Mardi-Gras-248175421.html

I think that it probably falls under Mardi Gras foolishness. However, I expect that it will put a damper on the remainder of the fun this year and it won't be good for business for the next few years.

[Ilsa]

5. Thanks, TexasTowelie! I wonder

if the police and press will provide an update.

How was your trip to Austin? It's such a beautiful and fun place.

[TexasTowelie]

6. Cold, but I had fun while I was there.

The trip back to Dallas sucked though since I-35 was nearly shut down between Temple and Waxahachie. It's normally a bit over three hours, but it required over 7 hours yesterday.

[TexasTowelie]

8. See post #7.