In what will surely go down in the books as one of the more memorable instances of police-aggravated skateboard melee, Baker and Thrasher's Bake & Destroy video premiere turned into what's been reported by the mainstream media as a "riot" in the middle of Hollywood on Friday night. Hundreds of skateboarders turned out to see the show who stretched down the block and around the corner to get into The Vine Theatre. Stoked fans spilled into the streets, a few members of the crowd got out of hand and authorities responded by unleashing more than 100 members of Los Angeles riot squad—complete with armored vehicles, helicopters, tear gas, clubs, shields and shotguns.
What do you think? Was this an egregious use of police force or did our brethren truly step out of line on this one? Is it possible that deploying a small army on a few out of line teenagers could have made the situation much worse than it ever would have been?
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The marquee shot just a few minutes before the melee.
Theotis out front with a fan. Is this the face of domestic terrorism? We certinaly don't think so.
The theatre was packed, obviously.....
Meanwhile outside, more than 100 LAPD riot police showed up weilding everything from shotguns and shields to clubs and tear gas. LAPD choppers were circling overhead.
The LAPD blocked off Hollywood BLVD.
Shot guns and riot helments.
Those who made it in to the theatre were detained by the riot police until the crowd out front was dispersed.
Post "riot" aftermath...
