Rough week for Rage Against the Machine. Not only did they cause quite a stir on Tuesday by attempting to hop on stage for an impromptu gig nearby the Republican National Convention (TMT News), but their show last night at Minneapolis' Target Center eventually culminated in 102 arrests.
According to several reports, a crowd of roughly 200 (of 13,000+) left the Target Center and began marching down the streets of downtown Minneapolis after the show (which saw RATM wearing Guantanamo Bay detainee suits). More than 100 officers, most equipped with riot gear, greeted them outside. Witnesses say police used pepper spray on the crowd, while the Pioneer Press reported that "a group of officers in a six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle fired two rounds from what appeared to be either a beanbag or pellet gun."
Eventually the march thinned, and although there was reportedly no violence or damage, the police arrested 102 people, 30 for blocking traffic. This count adds to more than 320 people who have been arrested in Minneapolis and St. Paul since Saturday (many in pre-emptive raids).
Meanwhile, at the Republican National Convention, Rudy Giuliani spewed venom before Sarah Palin's "hi, this is me" speech, which also heavily criticized the Democrats. In response, Joe Biden claimed it was all style, no substance, while Barack Obama is expected to increase his diatribes in retaliation. There's nothing like showbiz!