Just before this eloquent soliloquy by thrice arrested Daniel Murphy, I was talking to him on the steps on Union Square. He was cradling a yellow Occupy Wall Street banner just starring off. I asked to interview him but he declined because he was so tired and had been arrested twice in 24 hours and beaten.
Next thing i knew he walked up to the block long file of NYPD officers lining 14th street and began this speech. We were all flabbergasted. I have to say it's the most amazing 3 minutes I've captured in, as I say, "the 60 hours that TARU has of me shooting OWS"
There were over 500 cops in Union Square that night...more NYPD than demonstrators. Shrouded in fog and riot gear made their presence even more menacing. The scariest of all were what appeared to be a file of storm troupers on the north entrance to the park, they moved in silently in concentric circles and placing barricades as they eased the protesters out of the park for a curfew not called in the park since the 1800s!
I thought for sure there was going to be big time trouble. In the 6 months I've been shooting OWS, this was the weirdest and scariest police presence and as Tim Pool or TimCast streamed, he'd never seen so many high ranking officers for one action or such a display of potential force. I agree.
After the Million Hoodie March in Union Square, Occupy Wall Street demonstrators attempted to re occupy Union Square.
Daniel Murphy is a hero, these occupiers are all so brave I never cease to be moved by their courage.
Solidarity!