Philadelphia Police Receive Both Praise, Criticism For DNC Approach
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's the moment that had so many people talking on Friday. A video showed Philadelphia Police officers singing and playing the guitar with Bernie Sanders protesters around 20th and Pattison in FDR Park.
The video, posted to the department's Facebook page, had been shared more than a thousand times on Friday afternoon. From Facebook to Twitter and Instagram, users posted their messages of appreciation for police and their performance during the national event.
While speaking to Eyewitness News Thursday, Congressman Bob Brady also commended the department. "I've never been so proud of this city in all my life," he said. "I'm proud of our police commissioner Richard Ross. What a great job our police did."
The four day event was not without incident. There were dozens of citations and even some arrests. The reaction to Philadelphia Police wasn't completely positive. "The police presence wasn't for protection of protesters, but for containment of protests," said Josiah Green, a Black Lives Matter Philly chapter organizer. "They made it difficult for bystanders who were inspired by the march, to join into it."
Police say tens of thousands met in Philadelphia to protest, hoping maybe that while all eyes were on Philadelphia, their messages received some attention as well.