On the first Saturday of protest, my 17 year old son & I went with simple signs & I flew a turquoise Co-exist flag for drivers to see while driving along Clinton. I positioned myself across from the Courthouse in front of the Old Gazette Building next to another mom & adorable 4 or 5 year old girl each with red flowers in their hair. I had no purse & no keys, only my mobile in my pocket for photos of such as them. It was a beautiful day to be heard, and folks were peaceful. I noticed folks, mostly white, going into the street to protest & retreating whith each light change. I also noticed at least 5 officers looking directly at them from their perch on katy corner top floor of the City-county building.
I did see swat truck come from garage, but gave it no thought as all was calm.
I heard no warning when the first tear gas bomb was set off. I received nothing of a message buzzing on my phone. I had no idea what it was so I texted my son with whom I’d become separated to learn what it was & if he were someplace safe. He had also heard a loud thud. He was safe. By then the tear gas was flying everywhere & affecting my vision.
Just behind me there was a car protruding between the JG building & the ER stat/Happy Gnome building. I could not see well, but well enough to see outdoor customers ducking. They obviously had not been warned either.
I chose to back up into the empty but for a red car alley, to sit on steps, remove my mask to breath & attempt to wipe my eyes with my teeshirt while the noxious gas passed.
After less than a minute I stood saw a SWAT person looking at me from opening in the alley. It stared at me. That JackA** saw me & proceeded to point at me and shot AT ME & shot at and above me more tear gas. I could not see a thing, was terrified & Alone.
African American instinct KICKED in & I LIFTED both arms straight up as I proceeded to walk through the Overwhelming burn of more tear gas.
Then I felt the PaIN. I WAS SHOT TWICE IN THE BACK BY RUBBER BULLETS!! I have never felt such pain! I could hear more bouncing off the walls by my head as I began to run to the end of the alley with my arms straight up.
As soon as I could, I dived into the parking lot across city hall & nursed my scratches & road burns as helpers ran to me to douse my eyes with whatever it was that gladly accepted. I have asthma & could barely breath, so they surrounded me in case that same Jack A** came to further assault me.
I was furious. There I was, a pacifist 52 year old Widow, having been attacked by a ruthless coward with a badge & ammunition. THAT JACKA** should be removed from any police force. I was never a danger, only wiping my eyes. THE RELENTLESS assault by one was completely uncalled for! I am still furious, shaken and disgusted with whoever gave such a dumb order to tear gas a few folks, harmless kids & middle aged ladies like me. Cowards!