Police Presence at Community Protest Against Mehserle's Release

Hundreds of people came out Sunday afternoon to protest the release of former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle from jail. Mehserle murdered Oscar Grant on New Year's Day 2009 and was convicted of second degree manslaughter in July 2010. Mehserle was released from Los Angeles County jail June 13, 2011 shortly after midnight, according to LA journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga.

Compared to previous Justice for Oscar Grant demonstrations, the presence of law enforcement was reduced at the June 12 protest. Absent were the riot gear clad, mutual aid invaders of the past. Still, possibly a few hundred BART, Oakland police officers attended the June 12 protest at Fruitvale BART and in downtown Oakland.

Police blocked off streets for the demonstration. Two men were arrested, allegedly for graffiti, but were released. Witnesses said that an police received a tip from an undercover cop within the crowd who identified the men. Some protesters believed one had been targeted due to his involvement in Oakland CopWatch, but he was later released.

Police were also filming the demonstration, as they had in the past, at a number of locations throughout the rally and march.

Per request of IndyBay.org, an organization well aware that both police and mainstream media scan it for news, here are photos of law enforcement at the protest.