More on the story.
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The post right below this one is filling up rapidly with comments, so we're starting a new thread:
First up, who was in charge? As far as we can tell, there was pretty much zero in terms of a unified Command Post.
Second, who wrote this plan? We've seen and heard reports that UIC was woefully unprepared for this. They had their own people and Monterey Security inside. The Secret Service had a presence, but they're restricted to dignitary protection. The ISP had a squad there. And CPD. So where were the people geared up for a riot? For NATO we had an entire strike force geared up and ready to go. We had the Mounted Unit up and running. Tens of dozens of bikes. Did no one see this coming?
Third, who evacuated the Pavilion, putting a few thousand people out on the street as targets? A bad decision, probably by the UIC people attempting to "protect" the building. Same with not securing the parking structure, leading to many confrontations and property damage in the lots. Dumb move.
Fourth......ah fuck it. There are a million "after action" questions that need to be asked and answered. Who gave up the expressway? Who let them block ambulances? Why did they not assemble citywide Incident Teams as soon as they knew the rally was canceled? Tact Teams? We even heard Mass Arrest kits weren't available and only one transport wagon on scene in case arrests were made.
Who ever drew up this order failed miserably. Whatever the Intelligence Section was doing wasn't nearly enough. The On Scene Incident Commander failed to anticipate even the best case scenario and every other appointee showed how incompetent they really were by not ordering up more reinforcements and more units on stand-by. McJerseyShore promoted people who owed him, people who were frightened of losing their posts if they didn't produce his numbers. And without the blustering New York loudmouth, they were reduced to phoning their clout to ask what they should do...but their clout was busy phoning their clout...and their clout was busy sleeping.
And so the scene was lost. And the streets. And 290.
We certainly hope that LOTS of ISR reports were generated by all the useless gold stars who might have seen the tiniest sliver of what the streets have become. After all, the ACLU was right there in the mix, making sure "protesters" didn't have their rights violated.
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