My God, these cops are parodies of themselves!
CLAYTON, Mo. — The head of the Saint Louis County Police, who oversaw the crackdown on protests in nearby Ferguson shortly after a teenager was shot and killed by a police officer there, is defending the way his officers used military-style equipment even during peaceful daytime protests.
Chief Jon Belmar said Wednesday that in his opinion — as well as in the opinion of police chiefs around the country — much of the military-style equipment now used by police is necessary “because we patrol very urban areas.”
Belmar added that the St. Louis County Police had a responsibility to mitigate the threat of “serious crimes” and “certain terrorist events.” In practice, though, he said the equipment is used in armed barricade situations and, occasionally, in executing search warrants. He said he never anticipated he would ever use it against demonstrators.
“I never envisioned a day in which we would see that type of equipment used against protesters. But I also never envisioned a day in 28 years that we’d see the kind of criminal activity spin out of peaceful demonstrations,” Belmar said.
Responding to questions from The Huffington Post and other reporters at St. Louis County Police headquarters, the chief said he had no regrets about some of the more aggressive tactics used in Ferguson this month, such as releasing tear gas on the crowds.
“criminal activity spin out of peaceful demonstrations” Oh fuck, now that’s rich. Gun down an unarmed citizen, assault anyone who objects, commit attempted murder of bystanders simply for standing by, allow the sickening racist hatred of your department be openly directed at citizens in your community, leak unsubstantiated information sufficient that, if you by some miracle hadn’t assassinated the poor bastard, would have gotten your case thrown out of court. Fuck you, you fascist prick. How about, “never envisioned a day in 28 years that we’d see the kind of [insanely] criminal activity spin out of a small town police department . . .” There, now your statement reflects what actually happened.