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UCLA Students Demonstrate Against UCPD Taser Use
It’s beginning to feel a lot like a UC again on campus. For the first time in years, UCLA students threw down their books and returned to their activist roots by staging a major demonstration this afternoon. Students have been shocked and frustrated by the recent tasering of a UCLA student by UCPD officers at the student library , and it has grown to the point where many are feeling the need to voice their frustration to the masses. There have been many student demonstrations here in the past couple of years, but not many on this scale.
Students descended upon Kerchoff Hall in droves today at 12pm chanting against excessive force, and the need to police the police. Protest leaders demanded that an independent investigation take place instead of one by the campus authorities, and also that the officers in question be suspended during the investigation. Every major news outlet was there to witness the protests taking place.
So was LAist.
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An eyewitness speaks:
“What I witnessed firsthand that night was sickening [...] Regardless of whether he complied right away or not, there was no excuse to continue with such excessive force after he was already under control and handcuffed.”
More photos after the jump.
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Photos by Henry David for LAist.com
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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