Festive Union Square Crowd Turns Away Cops

Festive Union Square Crowd Turns Away Cops

Festive Union Square Crowd Turns Away Cops

Festive Union Square Crowd Turns Away Cops

Festive Union Square Crowd Turns Away Cops

Festive Union Square Crowd Turns Away Cops

A rocking group of drummers had a large, festive crowd up and dancing tonight at Union Square when trouble started. Uptight neighbors who didn’t appreciate the celebration had called the cops. When a golf-cart sized police car arrived, people continued dancing and cheering, urging the drummers to play on. "This park is ours!" "Play!" They cried. The copcart pushed into the crowd when a young Latino with hair falling down his back moved forward and placed both hands on the hood. Honking, the cop nudged ahead driving the young man back. The crowd immediately rushed the cart and shoved it backward. “Go home! Go away!†The cop at the wheel, seeing this would not end as usual, called for backup, and retreated. The party became even more boisterous as the crowd danced and went wild. "If you’re scared of freedom don't live in New York City!" Someone called out, and people agreed, shouting and clapping hands. A few minutes later, four cops showed up. Most people continued swaying and dancing. Many turned toward the cops and danced around them, even dragging one short, bald cop into the dancing crowd. Defeated, he allowed a smile to show for a moment on his face. Another five minutes passed, and the cops walked away almost unnoticed.