Occupy Oakland: Mayor Quan Issues Contrite Statement after Police Crackdown

Late last night, Oakland Mayor Jean Quan issued a statement about the police crackdown against Occupied Oakland protesters. In it, she expressed concern for those injured and a commitment to minimize police presence in Frank Ogawa plaza, at least for now. Her statement follows national and international outcry over police treatment of unarmed protestors.

Jean Quan wrote that she will “personally monitor” investigations of police misconduct.

Jean Quan’s complete statement reads as follows:


We support the goals of the Occupy Wall Street movement: we have high levels of unemployment and we have high levels of foreclosure that makes Oakland part of the 99% too. We are a progressive city and tolerant of many opinions. We may not always agree, but we all have a right to be heard.

I want to thank everyone for the peaceful demonstration at Frank Ogawa Park tonight, and thank the city employees who worked hard to clean up the plaza so that all activities can continue including Occupy Wall Street. We have decided to have a minimal police presence at the plaza for the short term and build a community effort to improve communications and dialogue with the demonstrators.

99% of our officers stayed professional during difficult and dangerous circumstances as did some of the demonstrators who dissuaded other protestors from vandalizing downtown and for helping to keep the demonstrations peaceful. For the most part, demonstrations over the past two weeks

have been peaceful. We hope they continue to be so.

I want to express our deepest concern for all of those who were injured last night, and we are committed to ensuring this does not happen again. Investigations of certain incidents are underway and I will personally monitor them.

We understand and recognize the impact this event has had on the community and acknowledge what has happened. We cannot change the past, but we are committed to doing better.

Most of us are part of the 99%, and understand the spirit of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. We are committed to honoring their free speech right.

Finally, we understand the demonstrators want to meet with me and Chief Jordan. We welcome open dialogue with representatives of Occupy Wall Street members, and we are willing to meet with them as soon as possible.

The City posts regular updates on the city website that you can view at

www.oaklandnet.com.

sfgate.com

I'm happy to see this. What happened when some people were trying to help Scott Olsen was inexcusible in my eyes and criminal. I hope this sets a tone for other cities to follow. Whether you agree with Occupy or not, people have the right to free speech and peaceful assembly.

reply to post by Kali74


She summed up all of Oaklands problem quite nicely in just one word. Why she kept babbling is beyond me.

"Progressive"

twinkles!

reply to post by Kali74


What she says and what she does are two different things. We'll just have to wait and see what parts were true and what weren't.

reply to post by Evolutionsend


I try to start out optimistic lol.
Dialogue between protesters and city government could be a huge leap forward.

It's a step in the right direction. It takes a lot for public officials to admit to their mistakes. Lets hope this is a sincere apology and protestors are given the right to continue their protests.