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Reporter. Words & photos in @THR, @rollingstone, @CNN, @dailybeast. Send tips/feedback to samuelbraslow@gmail.com

Sep 20, 2020, 24 tweets

Covering a dance protest in WeHo against the LA Sheriffs Department. Currently around 75 people at intersection of SaMo Blvd & San Vicente. LASD, in full riot gear, has blocked off surrounding streets. Dining & drinking continuing in Boys Town.

LASD Deputies on two sides and watching from Station

Protesters have rolled out a long sheet of blank butcher’s paper for anyone to write on.

Protesters are making some speeches right now, dancing hasn’t started.

And the beat has dropped.

Someone brought their dog to the dance protest

What is this oh my god more dogs

Someone dancing with a sign for Dijon Kizzee, the 29yo shot by LASD in South LA. Many of these protesters are the same who have been protesting his killing in SLA.

A dance circle has formed in the center of the intersection

One protester has started twerking on the slinky-cordon, deputies are communicating with each other but not acting

Organizer seems to call it a night, but people are sticking around and the music’s still going

Protesters are writing messages in chalk (someone brought a bucket full). People definitely don’t seem to be leaving.

The protesters have played WAP three times in a row. When it just came back on, one deputy threw his hands up 🤷‍♂️

Protesters do the Cupid Shuffle together

The protesters are taking a break from dancing for drumming.

A second drumming number composed by the main drummer called “Becoming Human”

New dance break, protesters are taking the soapbox and advocating for community policing

Protester’s demands:
1 Apologize to the family of Dijon Kizzee
2 Independent autopsy of Kizzee
3 Diploma requirement for LASD deputies
4 LASD settlements paid out of pensions, not tax dollars

They’re closing out with one last song

The woman who twerked on the yellow metal cordon returns to say goodbye to the deputies

Aaand the real last song, the protesters close out with Kendrick Lamar’s Alright

Update: At least one protester had been arrested after leaving, based on footage of the arrest

Update II: video journalist Steven Gute was detained earlier in the day for filming on a drone, he says. According to Gute, deputies cuffed him despite IDing himself as press. He says he has done 1000s of flights around the country, incl Standing Rock, and never had this happen.

Deputies allegedly told him that he was not legitimate press without a press pass. After deputies released him, they told him he could not go to the protest, Gute says.

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