There’s been a lot of discussion about the proposed demolition in New Orleans of four public housing blocks, especially after 15 protesters were arrested, nine injured, and four hospitalized after clashes at City Hall yesterday.

“You know why people were arrested, stunned with Tasers,, and pepper sprayed. You have it on videotape,” New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley is reported to have said. Can Riley explain this footage, taken by staff at NoLa.com?

Youtube video

0:25 mins.: Armed city staff shoving a woman on a walking stick.
0:48 mins.: City employees throwing the same woman to the ground.
1:03 mins.: The civil sheriff waving a live, clicking Taser at members of the press standing on public property.
1:24 mins.: The NOPD officer who, after law enforcement had several protesters on the ground, uses a riot-control-sized canister of pepper spray on the crowd and his fellow officers.

This article appears in December 21 • 2007.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.