NOLA protesters get tasers and pepper spray
Protesters clash with police over New Orleans demolitions
Violence broke out in New Orleans on Thursday after police shut the gates of City Hall against protesters who were attempting to enter a City Council meeting that was expected to approve the demolition of 4500 units of public housing. When about 100 protesters broke through, police began using pepper spray and tasers and even engaging in fistfights with the demonstrators.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development says it wants to demolish the housing projects so that developers can create mixed-income neighborhoods. However, opponents of the plan charge that it represents a deliberate attempt to rid the city of its poorest and blackest residents, whose housing options were already greatly reduced by Hurricane Kantrina.</em>
Got to make room for Disney New Orleans, dontcha know?
