May 7, 2008 1:50 pm US/Pacific
Sharpton Arrested In Rally Over NYC Groom's Death
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The Rev. Al Sharpton and dozens of others were arrested Wednesday amid series of civil disobedience actions throughout the city as a response to the acquittals of three New York City undercover detectives in the killing of an unarmed groom on his wedding day.
Hundreds have taken to the streets as part of the citywide "slowdown" led by Sharpton and his National Action Network. Police have already made numerous arrests, apprehending those who take part in acts of civil disobedience by blocking the streets to rally.
Sharpton was arrested at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, along with Bell's fiance and two others who were in Bell's car the night of the shooting, CBS station WCBS-TV in New York reports.
One of the protesters arrested told WCBS the protests go beyond the 50-shot killing of Sean Bell.
"It's not just about Sean Bell, it's about every man that's been injustly killed in America," he said. "The point to make to the people is to get their attention. It could be their son tomorrow or their daughter tomorrow."
The protests are aimed at putting pressure on federal authorities to bring civil rights charges against the officers in the Bell case. The three were acquitted of all charges in a Queens court last month.
Sharpton joins Bell's fiancé, Nicole Paultre Bell, in the staging of a series of "pray-ins" to keep their cause visible. "I will be there and everyone willing to support us, please, come," she said Tuesday night.
Large crowds are expected for the acts of civil disobedience, which could see hundreds of people clogging each designated protest spot. The protests are expected to continue through the evening rush hour.
Carol Taylor said she'll be there. "I was America's first black flight attendant. I'm 76-and-a-half years old and I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."
Sharpton is warning people to look for demonstrators to be on their knees, getting arrested. "If you're not going to lock up the guilty in this town, I guess you have to lock up the innocent," he said.
The acts of civil disobedience are designed to get the attention of local and federal officials who have the power to pick up where Judge Arthur Cooperman's verdict left off. Protesters want the acquitted NYPD officers -- Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora, and Marc Cooper -- to face additional sanctions.
That means pushing for both federal civil rights and NYPD departmental charges.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city is prepared for the demonstrations. "It's another example of people being able to protest in New York City," he said. "But everybody can rest assured we will enforce the law."
Last week demonstrators tied up traffic outside Madison Square Garden. Bell's relatives are also expected to join in the demonstrations.
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