Nearly 1,000 protesters made their way to Pittsburgh on September 24 and 25 to attend the G-20 Summit in which the world’s financial representatives and leaders come together to discuss economic policies and address the global financial crisis.A very vocal group marched for miles through downtown Pittsburgh demanding solutions to the world’s economical and environmental problems; remedies which are different than those the richest countries are following.
Because of such a massive crowd expectance, government officials agreed that it was necessary for extensive police presence throughout the demonstrations.
Nick Hiller, a junior at West Chester University took part in the G-20 festivities and traveled to Pittsburgh with several of his friends to catch some of the action first hand. Hiller arrived just in time on Thursday, Sept. 24 to see the first of many marches that took place in town over the next few days.
Hiller discussed the G-20 meeting stating that:
“It represents the most powerful countries but it wants to support the economic system of the rich getting richer and the poor becoming poorer.”
Thursday afternoon turned into a chaotic scene just as President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrived for the meeting. The battle started as several hundred protesters, campaigning against capitalism, tried to march toward the convention center where the summit was being held.
Protester blocked streets banging on drums and yelling chants about the power of the people. Responding to the scene, police fired canisters of pepper spray and smoke and rubber bullets at the marchers.
Rioters became frustrated with the fact that they couldn’t reach the leaders at the meeting and armed themselves with rocks, breaking windows and causing property damage.
The most eventful march, Hiller said, took place in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. It was here that protesters hurled bottles at police who retaliated by sending out numerous canisters of tear gas into the crowd. The crowd dispersed as they ran from the toxic fumes.
Hiller described the police reaction towards the civilians uncalled for, claiming they were abusing their authority as public defenders and using forceful tactics to settle protesters. Hiller explained the incidents that occurred on University of Pittsburgh campus that day.
“Dorms had to be evacuated because the teargas used by police on marchers had leaked into the vents of several student buildings,” he said.
These students were not even a part of the protest and they still suffered from unnecessary police action.”
A K-9 police official who works for Homeland Security commented on the police action stating “they were just fulfilling duties that were given to them and at the same time trying to protect ourselves.”
At least 190 arrests were made at the G-20 summit march but there were no reports of anyone being severely injured. The amount in property damage was not said.
The G-20 ended late the next day with many challenges still ahead for the nation, one being the hope to seek new direction for the global economy.
Vicky Hoover is a fourth-year student majoring in liberal studies and minoring in journalism and education. She can be reached at VH608753@wcupa.edu.