In my not so humble opinion, Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall should be held up as an example of what a police chief should look like and act like.
Police chiefs all across this great country of ours have warned protesters against blocking busy highways but to the best of my knowledge, Chief Hall is the only one to act.
When protesters blocked Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Chief Hall sent in an overwhelming force and they used zip ties to subdue 647 protesters.
If I were a drinking man, which I am not, the next drink I would have would be a toast to police chief Hall. And I would send her a big thank you for your service. at least there is one person standing up for the rule of law.
I believe that anyone who wants to peacefully protest for any reason should have the undeniable right to do so but blocking highways is not an acceptable action to those ends.
Inconveniently blocking thousands of drivers trying to get to the doctor or to return home at the end of a hard day of work is not acceptable.
Hall said:
“There are many who question and are not happy with the decisions that I made on yesterday. Let me be clear, I am not here to make people happy. My job and our job in law enforcement is to keep this city safe. We have pledged that. We will do that. And that is our goal.”
“Although peaceful, the protesters broke the law. On last night, they assembled and then they began to walk, and we supported that walk. When they began to enter the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge they were given a warning because it is against the law.”
“The penal code 42.03, obstruction of a highway or passageway, says they are not allowed to walk in the middle of the roadway or freeway or overpass.”
Protestors on the on ramp to 490 E at Plymouth. @nyspolice and @RochesterNYPD closed 490 to vehicular traffic. #Roc pic.twitter.com/2WzGF9zZgV
— Rich Healey (@r_heals13) July 19, 2020
No one was detained or charged but they were forced to relinquish control of the
