10,000 anti-war protesters rally outside Republican convention site
ST. PAUL, the United States, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Anti-war protesters promise on Tuesday more demonstrations and decry police tactics, as the Republican National Convention enters day two in St. Paul, Minn.
Cheri Honkala, a spokesperson for the protesters, told reporters that police arrested more than 280 people Monday during a series of skirmishes that ranged throughout downtown St. Paul, some within blocks of the Xcel Energy Center where the Republican National Convention began its four-day run.
In speaking with reporters Tuesday morning, a dozen protest leaders blamed the confrontations on police and their "intimidating" tactics.
Some of the 4,500 delegates, too, continue to feel harassed.
At a delegate breakfast in downtown St. Paul, the tires were slashed on two buses belonging to the Minnesota delegation, said state Republican Party chair Ron Carey.
On Monday, members of the Connecticut delegation told reporters they were attacked by protesters when they got off their bus near the Xcel Energy Center.
Of those arrested, 130 were booked on felony charges, including one assault on a peace officer.
The 51 people arrested for gross misdemeanors and 103 for misdemeanors had already been released or were expected to be released soon after they were booked.
As President George W. Bush will address the delegates Tuesday night via satellite, Police say they are prepared for violent protests to continue all week, though they are hoping the worst is over.
An estimated 10,000 people of all ages walked slowly down the route from the Capitol to the convention site at the Xcel Energy Center, frequently singing, chanting, and shouting against Bush and the war in Iraq.
