I admire them for wanting to keep things peaceful, but they should have dealt with this shit sooner, and with a lot more authority and confidence.
4000 protesters vs 200 cops. 4000 protesters w/smartphones videoing everything vs 200 cops trying not to violate anyone's civil rights.
You make a good point, but I think perhaps they could have handled this more directly. Follow the group in places and make sure they don't break shit. That being said....4,000 people is a big group.
I wondered about that myself watching the feed...why wouldn't the cops sandwich the crowd and herd them into the street away from parked cars and buildings?
I love it, they are actually detracting from their purpose by rioting and protesting. Making themselves look shitty.