What made Wednesday's incident so disturbing was the apparent viciousness of the circle of police officers beating and kicking Thomas, who had already been shot after allegedly shooting police officer Mike Livewell and stealing a police car. African-American Mayor John Street suggested that city residents not jump to any conclusions about the video, and wait for a thorough city investigation. His group helps demonstrators learn how to handle themselves during protests and any ensuing arrests. Local history suggests that, in the town that gave the nation liberty, police do not always cherish constitutional rights. And in the past week, demonstrators undergoing training in nonviolent protest at the Friends Center have been watched and photographed by individuals camping out in a nearby parking garage who refused to identify themselves.
Police deny that they are conducting surveillance.
Susan Slawson to Philadelphia City Paper's Gwen Shaffer. We are not violating any order, and to conduct surveillance would be violating the order. Activists remain convinced that the police are watching them. Republican organizers are also putting the squeeze on activists, strictly limiting where and when protesters can exercise their rights of free assembly and speech. Activists claim they are feeling marginalized, and, in some cases, ready to rumble.